Disney to build its first ‘master planned’ neighborhood in California. Take a look

Disney fans could soon eat, breathe and live Disney — almost literally.

If visiting the theme parks and devouring movies wasn’t enough, Disney is planning to build entire neighborhoods pumped full of its “special brand of magic.”

“We are announcing plans to introduce Storyliving by Disney, vibrant new neighborhoods that are infused with our special brand of magic,” the company said Wednesday, Feb. 16, in a news release. “Each community will feature distinctively designed spaces, unique amenities and Disney’s brand of world-renowned service.”

The first planned community will be built in the Coachella Valley in Rancho Mirage, California, about 100 miles east of Disneyland. There is no timeline on when it will be finished.

Disney wants people who will live in these communities to be able to make new friends and pursue their common interests while having the Disney experience.

Every planned community will have cast members who are trained to run the place. There will also be a club membership, the company said.

“Disney will also provide access to curated experiences, such as wellness programming; entertainment ranging from live performances to cooking classes; philanthropic endeavors; seminars and much more,” the company said.

Disney didn’t say how people can come to live in the communities, including the future costs, but some of the neighborhoods will be only for residents 55 years and older.

Disney has already built similar communities in Florida. The luxury Golden Oak neighborhoods opened in 2011, as Walt Disney had always hoped to build the “city of the future,” according to The Verge.

“We will be working with highly respected real estate developers and experienced home builders at each site, who will contribute their talents and expertise to each community,” the company said of the Storyliving by Disney project. “Like any good story, this is just the beginning! Other locales in the U.S. are under exploration.”

This story was originally published February 16, 2022 at 4:50 PM with the headline "Disney to build its first ‘master planned’ neighborhood in California. Take a look."