In a surprising move that blends desert living with Disney magic, the entertainment giant has begun welcoming residents to its first-ever branded residential community in California's Coachella Valley. The development, named Cotino, represents Disney's ambitious entry into the luxury property market while paying homage to founder Walt Disney's personal connection to the region.
Desert Dreams Become Reality
Construction is well underway at the 618-acre Cotino development in Rancho Mirage, with model homes now open for viewing and early residents already moving into their new properties. The community forms part of Disney's new "Storyliving by Disney" initiative, marking the company's first foray into branded residential living.
When completed, Cotino will feature nearly 2,000 residential units, including single-family homes and condominiums across three distinct collections. The properties, built by luxury developers Shea Homes, Davidson Communities and Woodbridge Pacific Group, went on sale at the beginning of 2024.
Luxury Living in the Desert
The homes at Cotino cater to different luxury segments, with prices reflecting the premium desert location. The smallest "Cottage Collection" properties start in the mid-$1 million range for two-bedroom, two-bathroom homes spanning approximately 2,200 square feet.
Moving up the scale, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom "Grand Collection" homes cover around 3,000 square feet with price tags approaching $2.5 million. At the top end, the "Estate Collection" features properties up to six bedrooms and six bathrooms, nearly 5,000 square feet, commanding prices around $3.2 million.
Interestingly, the development includes specific houses designated for adults aged 55 and above within the Cottage and Grand Collections. This senior living area, known as "Longtable Park," draws inspiration from Walt Disney's own visits to the region, where he enjoyed horseback rides and elaborate meals with family and friends around a large table.
Disney Magic Without the Mouse
What sets Cotino apart from typical Disney ventures is the subtle approach to branding. As travel writer Carly Caramanna noted after touring the development, this community "is much less in your face Disney" compared to the company's other hospitality projects.
The design philosophy focuses on Walt Disney's personal love for the Palm Springs area, its natural beauty, and mid-century modern architecture rather than overt references to Mickey Mouse or other Disney characters. Caramanna explained: "Palm Springs was basically his happiest place on Earth. This is where he was happiest, and he loved bringing his family. [Cotino] is distinctly Disney, but it is very much authentically Palm Springs."
Exclusive Amenities and Artificial Lagoon
For residents seeking more traditional Disney experiences, the development offers the Artisan Club, which opened in late October. This optional membership club requires an additional fee and provides access to premium amenities including a wellness centre, outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, and two restaurants.
The club's standout feature is the Parr House, a life-size replica of the home from Disney's Incredibles 2. Members can also participate in Disney-themed fitness programmes such as "Incredibles Super Circuit," "Encanto Latin Dance Cardio," "Moana Breathwork" and "Villain Era Power Sculpt: Maleficent Edition."
Perhaps the most impressive feature of Cotino is the 24-acre artificial lagoon known as Cotino Bay. Using patented Crystal Lagoons technology, the man-made beach environment minimises environmental impact through recycled water, minimal chemical additives and advanced filtration systems.
For prospective buyers like local resident Carl, who lives across the street with his wife and toddler, the lagoon represents the main attraction. "Being able to live somewhere that essentially has a man-made beach here in the desert – in the summer – is an absolutely massive attraction to us," he told reporters, noting the area's summer temperatures can reach 115°F.
Mixed Local Reactions
The development has generated divided opinions among local residents. Carl acknowledged that "people either hate it or they love it," though he sees only benefits for property values in the surrounding area.
Currently, Cotino Bay remains accessible only to community residents, but future construction phases will include a town centre featuring shopping and dining options open to the public.
The Cotino development represents a significant departure from Disney's traditional theme park and entertainment ventures, testing whether the company's brand magic can translate successfully into luxury residential living while maintaining the authentic Palm Springs atmosphere that Walt Disney himself cherished.
