Disney Expands Beyond Theme Parks with New Community Project in California

In Rancho Mirage, California, Disney has opened the Artisan Club within Cotino, the company’s first Storyliving by Disney community. The club, which is next to the fake Cotino Bay lagoon, offers programs that focus on art, health, and meeting new people. Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, the project reflects Disney’s approach to lifestyle-oriented communities. The launch marks an important step in Cotino’s development after the arrival of its first residents earlier this year.

One of the main features of the new club is Parr House, a mid-century modern venue inspired by the home from Pixar’s The Incredibles 2. There are spaces for meetings, workshops, and private events. The club also has a wellness center, two restaurants, and a lagoon where you can swim and paddleboard. Programs led by Disney staff and Optum focus on creative, fitness, and community activities.

Currently, membership in the Artisan Club is available only to Cotino residents, but Disney plans to open a public town center. Named "Cotino Bay Beach, Dining and Shops," the space is expected to open in fall 2026. It will include restaurants, local businesses, and limited access to the lagoon for a set fee. Construction is underway, with several confirmed local tenants.

Cotino may soon introduce new ways for residents to enjoy privacy while keeping public spaces open to a select number of visitors. The community is mostly for people to live in, but it could also add to the Coachella Valley's recreational options. Cotino is designed for outdoor living, with walking paths, bike trails, and activities that take place in water. When it opens to the public, the site could host cultural events and casual dining by the lagoon.

As evidenced by the opening of the Artisan Club, Disney is increasingly interested in projects related to communities and residential complexes outside of theme parks. This change means that in the future, vacation destinations will also become places of residence. Cotino's approach demonstrates how design, culture, and recreation can be combined in a single space. This could lead to new types of tourism and lifestyles in modern communities.