Disney Reveals Plans To Move To Another U.S. State

The Walt Disney Company has a significant presence throughout the globe. But despite its sprawling theme parks and resorts internationally, the United States remains its home.

Disney’s Imprint

And although most attention stateside is given to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, there’s much more on Disney’s horizon.

Related: Citing “Crisis” in Florida, Residents Warn Off Disney Fans From Moving to the Sunshine State

Aside from the Disney Parks, Disney also has Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii, the Vero Beach Resort in Florida, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina. In addition, many governors and politicians have been trying to get Disney to invest in their state due to the company’s feud with Governor Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida.

But despite all the firestorms, there’s one major Disney project that is actually happening. The Walt Disney Company is expanding into North Carolina. Located near Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, Disney will be opening a Storyliving community.

Disney’s Asteria

Earlier today (December 6), Disney Parks Blog, shared a first look at the new residential community: Asteria. The name Asteria pays homage to the native North Carolina aster flower, which is also connected to the goddess Asteria. Asteria’s stardust tears fell to the Earth in Greek mythology and sprouted the aster flowers.

Disney Imagineers and DMB Development have been working together to develop a unique vision for this new community. According to Disney, it is “inspired by the spirit of discovery” and is “designed to encourage exploration.”

Related: Disney Breaks Ground on the First Storyliving Community

The Asteria community will come to life on approximately 1,500 acres in Chatham County.

More Details

North Carolina’s picturesque landscape and history are at the heart of the project. Disney Imagineers are pulling inspiration from the area to imagine spaces where nature is always on display. Honoring the idea of exploration, the Asteria will feature acres of neighborhood parks and miles of walking and biking trails.

Asteria homeowners will also have access to amenities and programming that encourage learning and connectivity with their neighbors and the outdoors.

Related: Disney’s Riverfront Square: An Indoor Disneyland Park

The community’s club building will also have a variety of spaces and community amenities for residents. These will include a wellness and recreation center, restaurant, sports courts, swimming pools, community garden, and outdoor areas for games and firepits.

The Asteria community will have multiple home styles across its quaint streets. There are currently plans for over 4,000 units for future residents. These include single- and multi-family homes and homes for adults over 55.

Asteria marks the second Disney residential community being built under the Storyliving by Disney program. The first was Cotino community in California.

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The Asteria community is in the planning stages with Walt Disney Imagineering and DMB Development. Currently, the homes will be built by select homebuilders, with sales anticipated to begin by 2027. Additional details can be found by visiting storylivingbydisney.com/asteria.