The Dream Meets the Desert Reality
When Disney announced its Storyliving by Disney concept, the vision was irresistible: a master-planned desert oasis in Rancho Mirage blending luxury living, resort amenities, and Disney service standards.
Fast-forward to 2025 — Cotino is taking shape, homes are selling, and early buyers are moving in. But beyond the glossy marketing, what’s actually happening in the market?
For more on the Coachella Valley market, read our complete guide to buying a luxury home in the desert.
Cotino 2025: Quick Facts
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Location: Rancho Mirage, Coachella Valley
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Developer: Walt Disney Company in partnership with DMB Development
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Product Mix: Single-family homes, condos, and a 55+ section
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Amenities: Lagoon, clubhouse, curated events, dining, fitness, concierge services
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HOA Fees: Vary widely, often $400–$600/month for standard neighborhoods; higher for lagoon-front or specialty enclaves
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Short-Term Rentals: Restricted — not an STR-friendly community
Want to explore broader desert luxury markets? Check out our 2025 guide to buying a luxury home in the desert.
Sales Performance & Pricing Trends
Early sales in Cotino have been slower than Disney’s initial hype suggested — partly due to rising interest rates and competition from nearby luxury communities.
Key observations from 2024–2025:
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Entry-level single-family homes often start in the high $900Ks–$1.2M before upgrades.
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Lagoon-front and premium lots are commanding $2M+.
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Some early buyers report long construction timelines and limited inventory releases, likely to control pricing optics.
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Resale activity is minimal — meaning it’s hard to gauge appreciation yet.
Thinking about a vacation property? Here’s our guide to buying a second home in California.
Pros of Buying in Cotino
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Brand Power: Disney’s name recognition and built-in fan base.
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Lifestyle Programming: Events, dining, and amenities that feel like living in a resort.
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Design Cohesion: Architecture and landscaping are tightly controlled for long-term aesthetic appeal.
Potential Drawbacks
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HOA Costs: Significantly higher than many Coachella Valley neighborhoods.
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Strict Rules: Limited customization and no short-term rental flexibility.
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Resale Unknowns: Without a long track record, it’s hard to predict how the market will value Cotino long-term.
Investment Risk vs. Lifestyle Value
If you’re a Disney devotee looking for a second home or retirement spot, Cotino could be a perfect fit. If your main goal is maximizing resale value or rental income, the lack of historical sales data and STR restrictions might be a red flag.
Unsure whether to prioritize investment potential or lifestyle? Our California luxury home search strategies can help.
Cotino vs. Other Desert Luxury Communities
| Feature | Cotino | PGA West (La Quinta) | Thunderbird Heights (Rancho Mirage) | Vintage Club (Indian Wells) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOA Fees | High | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| STR Allowed? | ❌ | ✅ (some) | ✅ (some) | ❌ |
| Brand Appeal | Disney | Golf & Sports | Historic Prestige | Ultra-Exclusive |
| Market Track Record | New | Decades | Decades | Decades |
Cotino’s first homes began selling in early 2024, and the first residents moved in during early 2025. Disney has not released exact numbers on how many homes have sold, describing the project as still in its “early stage.” The community is planned to include up to 1,932 homes across 618 acres when complete.
Bottom Line
Disney’s Cotino offers a unique lifestyle product that blends brand loyalty with Coachella Valley luxury. It’s an emotional buy for many — but savvy buyers will weigh HOA costs, rental restrictions, and the resale unknowns before diving in.
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If you’re considering Cotino as a retreat or second home, you’ll love our complete guide to buying a second home in California.
