If you’ve ever wished you could move into your favorite movie, Disney is making that dream a permanent reality. While the company has long mastered the art of the day trip, they are now officially in the neighborhood business with Storyliving by Disney. The first of these master-planned communities, Cotino, has officially begun welcoming residents to its sunny desert enclave in the Coachella Valley.
But don’t expect a theme park in your backyard. Built on 618 acres once frequented by Walt Disney himself as a favorite retreat, Cotino is a sophisticated, mid-century modern paradise. The community is centered around the stunning, 24-acre Cotino Bay, featuring turquoise waters and white-sand beaches that feel more like the Caribbean than the California desert.
However, it’s the daily lifestyle that really has everyone talking—specifically, a new fitness lineup that proves working out is better with a touch of pixie dust.
Related: You Can Now Permanently Live in Disney’s First Imagineer-Designed Town Outside Orlando
The Return of “Mousercise”
Disney Parks Blog
At the heart of the community is the Artisan Club, a social hub where Disney’s legendary storytelling meets everyday wellness. In a first-of-its-kind move, Disney Imagineers have teamed up with health experts at Optum to ditch the boring treadmill routines in favor of “wellness adventures.”
These character-themed classes allow residents to channel their inner hero (or favorite baddie) while breaking a sweat:
- Incredibles Super Circuit: Ready to train like a Parr? This high-energy circuit moves you through stations inspired by the family’s powers. You’ll find yourself sprinting with Dash’s lightning speed, lifting with Mr. Incredible’s raw strength, and focusing on flexibility and core power like Elastigirl.
- Villain Era Power Sculpt (Maleficent Edition): For those days when you’re feeling a bit more “wicked,” this slow-burn strength class is all about bold, “commanding” poses and unapologetic confidence. Set to a darkly dramatic cinematic playlist, it’s designed to help you own the room with the poise of the Mistress of All Evil.
- Encanto Latin Dance Cardio: If you want to move like the Madrigal family, this joyful session blends Colombian dance styles like cumbia and mapalé. Each track invokes a different family member’s spark, from Luisa’s power to Mirabel’s heart.
- Moana Breathwork: This isn’t your average meditation. Held on the tranquil shores of Cotino Bay, this session uses the rhythm of the tide to guide wave-like breathing techniques, helping you “chart your own course” through mindfulness.
- Stitch & Splash: A paddleboard workout that fully embraces the “chaos” of Experiment 626. It combines core-stability moves with fun, unpredictable “splash” challenges on the lagoon.
Related: Disney’s Newest Resort Will Offer First-Ever Accommodations With Unprecedented Theme-Park Views
The “Parr House” and the Magic of Everyday Service
Disney Parks Blog
The architecture of the community is just as intentional as the fitness. The standout is the Parr House, a striking mid-century modern venue inspired by the home in Incredibles 2. It serves as a multipurpose gathering space for residents to enjoy immersive storytelling dinners, art workshops, or just a quiet evening by the fire.
Because the community is managed by Disney Cast Members, residents get that famous “signature service” at their front gate and local restaurants. While Cotino is the first to open, it won’t be the last. A second community, Asteria, is already in the works for Pittsboro, North Carolina, with home sales expected to start in late 2027.
Whether you’re looking for a “smart stay” for the rest of your life or just curious how Disney plans to redefine the American neighborhood, one thing is clear: the “always-on” magic is officially moving home.
Related: Disney Is Bringing Pixie Dust to the Carolinas and We Finally Have a First Look at the New Asteria Neighborhood
