Disney's expansion into residential communities with its "Storyliving" concept has sparked mixed reactions in the Californian town of Rancho Mirage. While some residents welcome the influx of investment, others express worries about environmental impact, overcrowding, and the lack of affordable housing for service workers.
In 2022, Disney unveiled its "Storyliving" initiative, promising to integrate the magical Disney experience into residential communities. The project's first phase, Cotino, began construction in Rancho Mirage, California, a desert city known for its tranquility and peace.
Disney's Dream vs. Desert Dilemma: Cotino Community Raises Concerns
However, the development has drawn mixed reactions from local residents. Some, like Mark Wolpa, fear the potential for pollution, noise, and overcrowding. Wolpa points to the planned construction of a 24-acre lagoon in an area facing water scarcity.
"It's still a desert, and water is still a precious resource," Wolpa said. "To think about having a lagoon here just feels wasteful."
Disney's Dream vs. Desert Dilemma: Cotino Community Raises Concerns
Others, like Bill Miller, are concerned about the loss of natural habitat for wildlife. "Critters are being pushed out. Birds, bees, butterflies, rabbits, lizards, roadrunners — none of these are considered when the landscaping goes in," Miller said.
Environmental concerns aside, residents are also questioning the impact on the local economy. While Cotino promises to boost revenue, Indio resident Jim Thomas wonders where the service workers necessary to maintain the community will live.
Disney's Dream vs. Desert Dilemma: Cotino Community Raises Concerns
"Rancho Mirage is already one of the richest cities in Southern California, and this will only add to its wealth," Thomas said. "But where will the workers live? The housekeepers, landscapers, bartenders, and hospitality employees?"
However, not all locals share these concerns. Katherine Holt, a Rancho Mirage resident, believes Disney's meticulous attention to detail will ensure a well-managed community. "It's Disney, so we know it's going to be done well," Holt said.
Disney's Dream vs. Desert Dilemma: Cotino Community Raises Concerns
Real estate agent Katie Dorr echoes Holt's cautious optimism. "There's extreme attention to detail, colors, and artistry," Dorr said. "It all feels very Disney."
Cotino's development is ongoing, with the first residents expected to move in by 2025. Disney has also announced plans for additional Storyliving communities around the country, including Asteria in North Carolina.
As Disney expands its real estate footprint, it remains to be seen whether these communities will fulfill the company's promise of bringing magic to everyday life or spark further debate over the potential consequences for local environments and economies.
