Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community in California’s Coachella Valley, hosted military families for a Pixar-filled day.
Blue Star Families partnered with Disney for the visit. Disney has supported the organization for more than 15 years.
Participants included families from Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms families also took part.
Superhero portraits at the Parr House
Families gathered for lunch overlooking Cotino Bay, with the Parr House as their backdrop. The house takes inspiration from the mid-century family home in Pixar’s Incredibles 2. Guests also toured the home.
Pixar animators who helped create The Incredibles met families and drew their favorite Pixar characters. Artists also created one-of-a-kind portraits that transformed participating family members into superheroes.
Children made hero masks and enjoyed arts and crafts on the event lawn, alongside time to play together.
Mickey Mouse made a surprise appearance. Mickey Mouse spent time with families and posed for photos.
Claire Bilby, senior vice president of Storyliving by Disney, connected the celebration to being a good neighbor. Bilby said bringing families, storytellers and residents together created moments of connection while showing appreciation for military service.
Blue Star Families Senior Vice President of External Affairs Ashley Saville thanked Disney for helping families spend time together. Saville said military families deserve moments focused on making memories.
Blue Star Families member Australia Herrera described the visit as a chance to “see the kids light up.”
Residents helped prepare the gifts
Preparations began November 3, when Cotino residents and Disney Cast Members volunteered through Disney VoluntEARS. Together, they decorated teddy bears for the children attending the celebration.
The bears were waiting when families arrived. Each family received a decorated bear and special Mickey Mouse plush figures.
Cotino Vice President of Operations Jay Critcher praised residents and Cast Members for making the visit more meaningful. Critcher described their participation as a reflection of the community’s spirit.
Resident Larry Dick welcomed the opportunity to help military families, particularly during the holidays.
“We were so happy to help.”
Disney’s support for the military community stretches back to Walt and Roy Disney’s contributions to the World War I effort.
Since 2012, Disney has contributed more than $27 million in funding and media support to nonprofit organizations. Those organizations focus on bringing joy to veterans and military families.
Source: Disney Experiences
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