Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
Cotino Bay Beach, Dining, and Shops will offer a variety of premier experiences, providing visitors with access to Cotino Bay for a fee. RANCHO MIRAGE, CA — The Disney lifestyle is taking shape at Storyliving By Disney's Cotino master-planned community in Rancho Mirage. Still, with homes here selling for well over $1 million, with added amenities at tens of thousands more per year, the idea of living here may be unattainable for most. Don't lose heart. There are new plans afoot for the crystal-clear blue lagoon known as Cotino Bay. But first, for those who do call Cotino home, Storyliving by Disney, in partnership with Disney Signature Experiences, has announced the opening of the Artisan Club, featuring the Parr House—a venue reminiscent of the family home in Disney Pixar's "Incredibles 2." We took a look behind the curtain at the homes for sale and the upgrades to the community, promising a "new lifestyle experience." Now that the weather is cooling, chances are you'll see more residents out and about in the Rancho Mirage community of Cotino. You'll see them when you visit, on the walking and biking paths connecting homes to parks and amenities. The many homesites offer single-family homes for buyers of all ages, as well as a dedicated "enclave" known as Longtable Park, restricted for big kids, adults 55 and up. At the heart of Cotino, a mile-long promenade encircles the bright blue waters of Cotino Bay, the often-pictured and scenic setting for sunset strolls and morning bike rides. The community features dedicated parks for families, pets and adults — designed by Disney Imagineers to foster connection, comfort and a sense of belonging, according to Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses. There is more on the horizon for non-residents, according to a spokesperson for the community. Following the opening of the Artisan Club, additional plans are scheduled for 2026. Cotino Bay, the often pictured crown jewel of the Cotino community, features clear turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons technology. But purchasing a home here does not automatically grant immediate access to Cotino Bay or its beaches; separate fees will be required. With the purchase of a day ticket, guests will be able to access Cotino Bay Beach and enjoy stunning views and thoughtfully planned amenities, according to the website. "From relaxing and playing on the white sand, taking a dip in the water, or renting a variety of watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards, guests will be able to enjoy a perfect day at the beach right in the heart of the desert." Something to note for desert visitors unfamiliar with the Rancho Mirage weather. Water levels of the lagoon may fluctuate during the year, they warned. Additionally, as residents and visitors to the area are aware, outdoor activities are occasionally suspended during certain times of the year due to extreme heat and blowing dust. The next step is the Cotino Bay Beach, Dining and Shops, slated to open in the fall of 2026. This will be open to both visitors and residents of the Cotino community. Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses, spoke on the vision for Cotino Bay Beach, Dining and Shops. “Our vision for Cotino Bay Beach, Dining and Shops goes beyond a new development – we’re creating a vibrant new destination the entire region can enjoy,” said “This curated mix of shopping and dining, paired with the must-visit appeal of Cotino Bay Beach, really enhances the community lifestyle here by creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the magic of the Cotino community.” The Town Center will be located off Monterey Avenue between Gerald Ford and Frank Sinatra Drives, Cotino Bay Beach, Dining and Shops will offer premier dining and shopping experiences with both local and national brands along with an open-air artisan market. The first phase of the town center includes 45,000 square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment space. Additional tenant announcements are expected over the next few months, according to the website. Additional details about visitor access to Cotino Bay Beach will be released at a later time. According to the website, already committed to space in the town center are: Restaurant: Elevare With a menu rooted in refined American cuisine, Elevare will offer fresh dishes inspired by the laid-back sophistication of California’s vibrant food scene while incorporating local, seasonal ingredients. The waterfront restaurant will include a warm, lively dining room with an expansive terrace offering unmatched views of Cotino Bay and the surrounding San Jacinto Mountains. Elevare will be open for lunch and dinner daily and will offer brunch at weekends. This brand-new, 8,000-square-foot concept, created by Oak View Group and designed by Ignisio Studios, will be a beautiful backdrop for guests to celebrate everything from everyday moments to special occasions. Coffee Shop: Artigiano Artigiano, a pioneer of Canada’s coffee culture for more than 26 years, introduced the art of espresso and café hospitality to Vancouver long before specialty coffee became mainstream. Rooted in a commitment to craft and authenticity, Artigiano has grown from a single café into a celebrated brand known for its award-winning coffee, real ingredients and warm European-inspired atmosphere. As it expands to the U.S. for the first time, Artigiano brings its signature 100 percent Arabica blends and thoughtfully sourced organic ingredients to a 3,000-sqaure-foot space in the Rancho Mirage community—where every cup and every plate embodies their philosophy that beautiful ingredients make beautiful things. Grocery Shopping: On the Mark Fine Foods & Provisions Beloved Palm Springs specialty market On the Mark Fine Foods & Provisions will bring its curated selection of artisan goods, premium meats and cheeses, made-to-order sandwiches, wines, unique craft beers and more to its 3,700-square-foot second location in Rancho Mirage. A perfect place to shop for delicious treats, sit down and unwind with a glass of wine, or grab a bite to go before heading to Cotino Bay Beach, On the Mark will offer options to excite all culinary palates. Health & Wellness: Khaga Yoga Khaga Yoga is bringing its welcoming yoga sanctuary for students of all levels to Rancho Mirage. From traditional disciplines to contemporary styles, the studio’s talented teaching team will deliver a diverse range of classes designed to support each individual’s journey toward health and well-being. Khaga Yoga’s new, 2,000-square-foot location will add a new dimension to its offerings with two thoughtfully designed studios, a retail boutique with yoga accessories and essentials, and classes for kids and families. Future plans include a hotel and additional retail space. In the meantime, the Artisan Club, with its many restaurants and athletic activities, is for members/homeowners only. "This must-visit destination will introduce a variety of premier experiences to the area and offer visitors access to Cotino Bay for a fee," she said. "The town center’s initial tenants include restaurant Elevare, locally-owned On the Mark Fine Foods & Provisions, Khaga Yoga and the first U.S. location of Canadian-based specialty coffee shop Artigiano." Members of the Artisan Club can experience those extra "story moments," Caroline Boone, executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering, explained. This is the country club of Cotino, where members can participate in the community, play tennis and pickleball, swim, dine, and attend fitness classes. “Everything here is built on story, and the story that we’re telling here across the Artisan Club is that of a creative oasis," Boone said. "That’s really the thread that we pull across every detail of our storytelling and place-making in each of our amenities.” This isn't a theme park, but an immersive and heavily mid-century modern take on life in the Palm Springs area desert, which was a favorite place for Walt Disney to unwind with his family. If you're looking for "hidden Mickey's" here, they are truly hidden, says Bilby. Homeowners are still the cornerstone of the community. Bilby spoke on the opening and the plans for the Cotino community in a recent news release. “Cotino isn’t just a new community – it is a dynamic, creative oasis where residents will experience a vibrant lifestyle that is truly unique,” Bilby said. “We’ve infused the beauty of Rancho Mirage with the special kind of magic Disney delivers. The Artisan Club is a premier destination for our members that will transform everyday life into extraordinary moments.” The community will eventually offer 1,900 private homes and condominiums, with the smallest floor plan selling for upwards of $1 million each. Although it is not mandatory, residents can opt to purchase a membership at The Artisan Club to enhance their Disney experience. Look inside homes available for sale at Cotino, Storyliving By Disney: For those interested in purchasing a home, community tours including model homes are now available. The on-site Cotino Sales Studio is open for appointments daily and additional details can be found at Cotino.com.
