Cotino: The Dream Meets the Desert Reality (2025–2026 Update)
When Disney introduced its Storyliving by Disney concept, the vision was irresistible — a master-planned desert oasis in Rancho Mirage blending luxury living, resort amenities, and Disney-level hospitality.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Cotino is no longer a rendering. Homes are selling, early buyers are moving in, and the community is slowly taking shape. But beyond the glossy marketing, what’s actually happening on the ground — and what should buyers expect heading into 2026? For more on the Coachella Valley market, read our guide to buying a second home in California.
Cotino 2025: Quick Facts
Location: Rancho Mirage, Coachella Valley
Developer: Walt Disney Company + DMB Development
Product Mix: Single-family homes, condos, and a 55+ enclave
Amenities: Lagoon, clubhouse, curated programs, dining, fitness, concierge
HOA Fees: Typically $400–$600+/month; higher for lagoon-front or specialty tracts
Short-Term Rentals: Not allowed — this is not an STR-friendly community
Exploring the wider desert market? Start with our 2025 guide to buying a luxury home in the desert.
Sales Performance & Pricing Trends (2024–2025)
Cotino’s early sales pace has been slower than Disney’s initial hype suggested — mostly due to higher interest rates and competition from established luxury communities.
Key pricing takeaways:
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Entry single-family homes usually start in the high $900Ks–$1.2M before upgrades.
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Lagoon-front and premium-lot homes often surpass $2M+.
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Construction timelines have been long for some buyers.
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Inventory releases appear intentionally limited to preserve pricing optics.
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There is almost no resale activity yet, so appreciation is unknown.
Considering a vacation property? Our guide to buying a second home in California breaks down the strategy from an investor and lifestyle perspective.
Why Buyers Choose Cotino
Brand Power: The Disney halo effect is real.
Lifestyle Programming: Events, workshops, and social structures many buyers love.
Design Consistency: A highly curated environment with cohesive architecture, color palettes, and landscaping.
Potential Drawbacks Buyers Should Consider
HOA Costs: Much higher than most Coachella Valley neighborhoods.
STR Restrictions: Cotino is not friendly to Airbnb/VRBO income strategies.
Resale Unknowns: With no track record, long-term appreciation remains speculative.
If you’re weighing lifestyle value versus long-term appreciation, here’s how fractional ownership is reshaping luxury second-home buying in California.
For a look at how architecture shapes buyer demand across California, explore our Studio City architectural homes guide.
Cotino vs. Competing Desert Luxury Communities (Mid-2025)
| 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 |
To understand what California luxury buyers are prioritizing in 2026, this guide breaks down the shift in expectations and behavior.
Sales Status (Mid-2025)
The first homes began selling in early 2024, and initial residents moved in during early 2025.
Disney has not released detailed sales figures, describing the project as still “in its early stage.”
When complete, Cotino is planned to include up to 1,932 homes across 618 acres.
Bottom Line
Cotino blends Disney’s storytelling with Coachella Valley luxury. It’s an emotional buy for some and a lifestyle-driven choice for others — but savvy buyers will weigh HOA costs, rental restrictions, and uncertain resale performance.
Heading into 2026, Cotino will likely continue attracting second-home buyers who want resort-level living and brand consistency, even as the broader Coachella Valley offers more flexible (and sometimes more affordable) alternatives.
💬 Thinking about Cotino or exploring Coachella Valley luxury neighborhoods?
Contact Coastline 840 for market insights, off-market opportunities, and neighborhood comparisons.
If you're considering Cotino as a second home, don’t miss our updated guide to buying a second home in California. For a deeper look at how branded luxury is evolving across California, here’s my original Aman Beverly Hills post that’s trending on Google.
