Cotino, the first development under Disney’s Storyliving by Disney brand, is a more than 600-acre Rancho Mirage community designed around Disney-inspired storytelling.
Some homes are already complete and occupied, but Cotino is still very much under construction. Its first major public-facing destination, called “Cotino Bay Beach, Dining, Shops,” was once anticipated to open in fall 2026. However, Disney has now announced that the first phase will instead welcome visitors in spring 2027, along with an announcement about new retailers coming to the center.
The town center will offer non-residents the opportunity to experience Cotino with a ticketed beach experience, waterfront businesses, and events.
Cotino Bay Beach will open in spring 2027
“Cotino Bay Beach, Dining, Shops” is planned as the social and commercial heart of the community, centered on Cotino Bay, a 24-acre turquoise lagoon. The Cotino Bay town center is intended as a public destination with ticketed beach access, although Disney has not yet released admission pricing or details.
The spring 2027 opening will introduce Cotino Bay’s open-air marketplace, pedestrian paths, gathering areas, and food and retail.
Previously announced tenants include Elevare, an 8,000-square-foot waterfront California restaurant with panoramic views; Canadian coffee company Artigiano, making its first U.S. debut; and Palm Springs favorite On the Mark Fine Foods & Provisions, a gourmet marketplace.
Now, six newly announced concepts expand the lineup:
- Asada Cantina + Kitchen, a San Clemente-rooted Mexican restaurant serving lunch, dinner, and cocktails
- SottoSopra, an Italian all-day concept with pastries and paninis in the morning and ossobuco and risotto giallo later in the day
- Big Juice, a local health-focused cafe with cold-pressed juices, protein smoothies, specialty coffee, and breakfast and lunch
- Mojave Flea Trading Post, a desert-minded marketplace with vintage apparel, handmade ceramics, and home goods
- It Refills, a refill shop for lower-waste household and personal-care needs
- La Dolce Piccola Gelateria, a Palm Desert favorite with house-made gelato, coffee, and baked goods
Disney also says the destination will host farmers markets with Coachella Valley growers, live music, art displays, and seasonal programming. Future phases are expected to add more food and retail businesses, plus a hotel.
Disney’s desert experiment in ‘storyliving’
Cotino is not a theme park or a Disney resort. Rather, it is a residential community branded and managed by Disney, developed by DMV Development and built by third-party builders. The project follows creative guidance from Disney Imagineers, mixing midcentury Palm Springs-inspired architecture with recognizable Disney aesthetics.
In addition to the highly anticipated Cotino Bay, the members-only Artisan Club is another centerpiece of Cotino. The venue is a full replica of the Parr family home from Incredibles 2, serving as a gathering place for residents.
When complete, Cotino is eventually expected to comprise nearly 2,000 homes, with numerous neighborhood types including an area for residents over 55 years old. Residences start in the mid-$1 millions, and prospective buyers can already book model home tours.
🌐Learn more: Storyliving by Disney
