“Story Living By Disney” is what the Walt Disney Company has dubbed it’s latest foray into real estate development. The Disney “Story Living” communities will feature single home and condominium developments, with community elements such as a private club and a town center.
The first development to open is called “Cotino”, located in Rancho Mirage, California, not far from one of Walt Disney’s own vacation homes. However, anyone looking to vacation in one of these Cotino homes may be out of luck, or they’ll need to have a lot of free time and money.
Short Term Rentals Not Available at This Disney Property
Cotino only allows rentals of 30 days or more. This is a significant difference from typical short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, which are used for shorter stays. Theme Park Insider was able to get a recent tour of these homes. Their own Robert Niles wrote, “Clearly, these are spaces designed for entertaining. But Rancho Mirage has outlawed short-term rentals since 2022, which – in theory – should keep Cotino’s homes from becoming Airbnb party houses. You will need to get to know a resident to party here.”
An image of a Story Living by Disney community – Story Living by Disney
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Disney developed two living communities in the past. Gokden Oak and Celebration were both developed near Walt Disney World in Central Florida, but they were both de-annexed from the property before any residences were occupied. Short term home rentals such as Airbnb are not allowed in either of these communities, however both have hotels. The Inn at Celebration adorns the community lakeshore there, while Golden Oak boasts The Four Seasons Resort Hotel lying at the heart of the community.
Themed Homes Near Disney Parks
While Cotino may be off limits to Disney loving vacationers, a number of houses in the area surrounding Walt Disney World in Florida offer a variety of Disney related theming.
A Beauty and the Beast bedroom in a AIRBnB Near Disney World – AirBnB
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Take for example an incredible listing on Airbnb of the “Disney Resort Villa Orlando” – an 8 bedroom mansion with rooms themed to Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, and Ratatouille among others. This one house has a private pool, an in home theater, and even an arcade. The home is located less than 15 minutes from Walt Disney World, sleeps up to 22 guests in 11 beds, and can cost as little as $454 a night.
That’s actually less than some moderate resort rooms at a Disney resort on Walt Disney World property.
Disney’s new Cotino community may be beautiful, but it’s clearly designed as an upscale lifestyle living community, and not for vacationers. While Cotino may be off limits, Airbnb, Vrbo, and other outlets offer plenty of vacation home rentals for the Disney enthusiast and their guests.
An image of a Story Living by Disney community – Story Living by Disney
Whether its Disneyland in Anaheim, California or Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida those seeking out this dream destination won’t be at a loss to find what they are looking for. However, if it’s Disney in California’s Coachella Valley you desire, unless you plan on an extended stay for a month or more for now, you’re out of luck when it comes to Story Living by Disney.
Do you think Story Living by Disney communities should allow short term rentals? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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Disney dystopia. It’s like some dystopian sci-fi satire.