Internet reacts with skepticism as Disney announces Asteria residential community in North Carolina

PITTSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA: The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to develop a residential community called Asteria in Pittsboro, North Carolina, just outside the Raleigh-Durham area, according to a report by New York Post.

The new community aims to bring the iconic Disney magic to life through special amenities and programs, but social media has reacted with skepticism.

Asteria will be developed by Walt Disney Company in collaboration with DMB Development

The 'Asteria' community will be developed by Walt Disney Company's Storyliving by Disney initiative, in collaboration with real estate developer DMB Development.

Spread over approximately 1,500 acres of land in Chatham County, the neighborhood plans to build over 4,000 residential units ranging from single-family homes to multi-family options. Some units will specifically cater to residents aged 55 and above.

Disney says its legendary Imagineers, responsible for their designing the company's endeavors, will work with DMB Development to incorporate unique entertainment concepts into its design. Planned amenities include neighborhood parks, walking trails, sports courts, swimming pools, and a restaurant.

An exclusive club will offer activities and programs focused on wellness, learning, and community connections. For instance, Disney classic-themed storytelling dinners will aim to foster bonding among residents.

The name Asteria draws inspiration from North Carolina's state wildflower as well as the Greek goddess Asteria, which translates to "star". Disney aims to create a community centered around curiosity, learning, and passion. The buildout is expected to be completed by 2027.

North Carolinians react with skepticism and concern about Disney's 'Asteria' project

The online response from North Carolinians has been a tapestry of skepticism and concern about the Asteria project's implications. On the r/Raleigh subreddit, users articulated their mixed feelings about its potential impact on the existing Pittsboro community.

As one person made a post announcing the news, writing, "Disney announces Asteria, a 4000 unit “story living” development in Pittsboro," another Reddit user candidly stated, "Not gonna lie, I have no idea what to make of this."

The same person explained further, "It sounds interesting but also somehow slightly dystopian at the same time." Meanwhile, another user chimed in, voicing concerns, "If the tech bro invasion wasn't bad enough, now we have to worry about the Disney adults."

A third user expressed, "Well, this sounds oddly sinister," while another individual said about the concept, "That sounds too culty for my liking. I feel like you’d have to be deliriously happy all the time."

A fifth user's succinct comment encapsulated their feeling of discomfort, stating, "This feels icky."

With intrigue and uncertainty abound Disney stated that interested homebuyers can register for updates about Asteria on their website. The company already has a similar Storyliving by Disney community called Cotino under development in Rancho Mirage, California.

Disney does have prior experience creating themed residential areas, like Celebration, Florida founded in 1996. But the company sold Celebration just 8 years later - something locals are conscious about as plans for Asteria kick off.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.