Cotino Gave Military Families a Superhero Welcome at the Incredibles Inspired Parr House
Storyliving by Disney hosted Marine Corps families in the Coachella Valley, with Pixar artists, teddy bears and a surprise visit from Mickey Mouse.
Cotino, the Storyliving by Disney community in California's Coachella Valley, just threw a special day for military families. In honor of Veterans and Military Families Month, Disney welcomed families to the community for lunch, a home tour, superhero portraits and a surprise guest.
The families came from Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. The whole celebration was built around the idea that some heroes wear capes and others wear uniforms.
It was held in partnership with Blue Star Families, an organization Disney has supported for more than 15 years.
Lunch at the Parr House
The setting fit the theme perfectly. Families sat down to lunch overlooking the turquoise water of Cotino Bay, with the Parr House as the backdrop.
The house is inspired by the mid-century home of the super family from Pixar's Incredibles 2. Military families got to step inside and tour a piece of Pixar storytelling that now lives at Cotino.
Pixar artists turned families into superheroes
The headline activity was the portraits. Pixar artists joined the day and created one of a kind artwork that turned family members into their own superheroes.
Kids also had arts and crafts on the event lawn. There was plenty of open time to play, connect and just enjoy being together.
The families didn't know about the last surprise. Mickey Mouse showed up to spend time with everyone and pose for photos.
Teddy bears made the day before
The preparation started the day before. Cotino residents and Disney Cast Members teamed up through Disney VoluntEARS to decorate teddy bears for the children attending.
Each bear was a small gesture of appreciation. They were waiting for their new owners when the families arrived at Cotino.
What people said about it
Claire Bilby, senior vice president of Storyliving by Disney, said the day reflects the kind of connection the company hopes to build inside its communities and in the places they call home. She described being a good neighbor as a big part of belonging to a community, and said Disney was proud to bring military families, Disney storytellers and Cotino residents together.
Ashley Saville, senior vice president of external affairs at Blue Star Families, said military families give a great deal in service to the country and deserve moments that are simply about being together. She thanked Disney for a day full of joy, connection and unexpected surprises.
Blue Star Families member Australia Herrera said military life asks a lot of the whole family. A day to relax together and watch the kids light up meant a lot, and she pointed to seeing the family as superheroes and meeting Mickey as highlights.
Cotino Vice President of Operations Jay Critcher said the sense of community is what makes Cotino special. He enjoyed watching residents and Cast Members come together to make the day more meaningful.
Cotino resident Larry Dick said he was glad to volunteer to help the families of veterans and service members. He noted that military families face real struggles, especially around the holidays, and that residents were happy to help.
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