The Walt Disney Company on Wednesday announced plans to introduce Storyliving by Disney master-planned communities that include 55+ housing.
“As we prepare to enter our second century, we are developing new and exciting ways to bring the magic of Disney to people wherever they are, expanding storytelling to storyliving,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney parks, experiences and products, said in an announcement posted to the company’s website. “We can’t wait to welcome residents to these beautiful and unique Disney communities where they can live their lives to the fullest.”
The first Storyliving by Disney community, named Cotino, will be built in Rancho Mirage, CA, where Walt Disney once owned a home. Disney said it is exploring additional locations in the United States for future development.
Each location will include some neighborhoods for residents aged 55 or more years, Disney said. Home types will include condominiums, single family homes and what the company refers to as “estates.”
Each site will have a distinct personality, Disney said. The company will work with developers and builders to help devise the creative concepts for the communities. Cotino is being developed in collaboration with DMB Development.
“Disney Imagineers are exploring the richness of each local region to inspire the theme of Storyliving by Disney communities,” Michael Hundgen, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, said in the announcement. “Distinctively designed indoor and outdoor spaces will offer residents new opportunities to explore, engage and create the next incredible chapter of their story,” he added.
Disney “cast members” (employees) will operate the community associations at Storyliving by Disney communities. Through a club membership, residents will have access to wellness programming, entertainment such as live performances and cooking classes, seminars and more.
At Cotino, for instance, Disney said, a voluntary club membership will offer residents access to a waterfront clubhouse, a club-only beach area and recreational water activities, as well as Disney programming, entertainment and activities throughout the year. Cotino also is expected to include shopping, dining and entertainment, a beachfront hotel and a professionally managed beach park with recreational water activities that the public can access via a purchased day pass.
Housing providers increasingly are interested in appealing to the youngest baby boomers. AlerisLife, formerly Five Star Senior Living, announced in late January that demographics and changing consumers demands were leading the company to expand into home health and active adult housing, which has a younger entry point than traditional senior living. Baby boomers, a large group, currently are aged 57 to 76.
