Disney's Bold Leap into Luxury Real Estate
The Walt Disney Company has unveiled its first foray into residential property, a sophisticated community named Cotino in Rancho Mirage, California. This ambitious project, part of the new Storyliving brand, marks a significant departure from the company's traditional theme park magic, offering a more mature and exclusive experience for high-net-worth individuals.
The Price of Paradise: Homes and Amenities
This desert paradise near Palm Springs is not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. Properties here command a premium, with homes starting at over $1.3 million. The most affordable option listed is the Patina design, priced at $1,344,990 for a 1,666 square foot property with two bedrooms. At the other end of the spectrum, the Westwind II design soars to $3.2 million for a sprawling 4,485 square foot home.
The centrepiece of the community is the 24-acre man-made lagoon, Cotino Bay, set to open in fall 2026. It will offer residents swimming areas, kayaking, and paddle-boarding, surrounded by restaurants and shops.
However, the ultimate luxury comes with an additional cost. An optional membership to the exclusive Artisan Club requires a one-time fee of $20,000, followed by an annual fee of $11,000. Members must also commit to a minimum spend of $1,000 per year on food and beverages. This grants access to a beachfront clubhouse with a fitness centre, pool, restaurant, and the unique Parr House event space, inspired by the midcentury modern home from Disney-Pixar's Incredibles 2.
Storyliving: The New Disney Magic
As explained by Southern California real estate professional Kevin Du Toit, Cotino represents a new kind of Disney experience. 'They kept things authentic - not too modern or too animated - so it feels generational,' he noted. The magic is subtle, woven into the fabric of the community through sensory details and architectural storytelling rather than overt character branding.
'You feel like you’re stepping into a life Walt Disney imagined,' Du Toit added, highlighting how each model home incorporates a personal storytelling element. The design philosophy, dubbed 'Storyliving,' aims to tap into the nostalgic feeling of childhood story time and blend it seamlessly into the home, landscaping, and overall environment.
The first phase of the development comprises 300 properties, with a total of 1,900 homes planned. Residents began moving in earlier this year, and the community includes neighbourhoods specifically tailored for people aged 55 and older.
Du Toit described the demographic as decidedly upscale, comprising CEOs, executives, and investors. 'I sometimes joke it’s not 'the happiest place on earth,' it’s 'the happiest place for high-earners,'' he remarked. Despite the eye-watering prices, he pointed to the long-term advantages of investing in the consistently strong California housing market.
The location holds historical significance for the company, as Walt Disney himself cherished the area, frequently retreating to his Smoke Tree Ranch property in the Coachella Valley for inspiration and relaxation—a sense of calm that the designers of Cotino have sought to echo in its tranquil colour palette and serene lagoon.
In the end, as Du Toit concludes, 'Living in a fantasy-like environment is powerful. That’s the real Disney magic - not the characters or rides, but living inside a story every day.'
