The Magic Kingdom welcomed a new princess to its court this morning. Princess Elena of Avalor debuted in a live performance that will be presented several times a day on the Cinderella Castle stage. Elena of Avalor is the first Disney Princess to be inspired by Latin cultures and background.
In the special welcoming ceremony on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, Cinderella and Prince Charming will host their newest royal friend and invite her to share her amazing story with park guests. As part of the show, Elena will recount her magical adventures and triumphant return to Avalor through the song, “My Time.”
While Elena’s music makes the new show shimmer and sparkle, so does the new princess’ vibrant royal gown and glittering crown. Rich in color and detail, the gown reflects Elena’s special qualities and cultural origins. The one-of-a-kind gown is made from 14 yards of crimson Avaloran satin, embroidered with more than 900 flowers that represent her kingdom and family. The beautiful crown she wears holds 222 dazzling jewels.
A brave and adventurous teenager, Princess Elena embodies all the qualities of a classic Disney princess, displaying thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion. She has the heart and mind of a true leader, making her a princess for everyone.
All the young kids we saw loved Princess Elena. Some were even already wearing her costume dress. Elena’s debut at Walt Disney World follows the launch of the new animated series, “Elena of Avalor,” which premiered in a simulcast on Disney Channel and Disney Junior on July 22. It ranks as the #1 series telecast among all kid-targeted TV networks in Total Viewers, Kids 2-11 and Adults 18-49, for 2016 to-date.
At this morning’s press event we had the chance to speak with: Tara Anderson, the show director of the new stage show, and Sharon Madill, Manager Creative Entertainment for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment.
We also spoke with Jenna Ortega who is the voice of Princess Isabel, Princess Elena’s sister. Ortega, now 13, began acting at age six and has played leading roles on multiple network television series. She’s also currently the lead character, Harley Dias, in the Disney Channel sitcom “Stuck in the Middle.”
While we were able to meet with Princess Elena at luncheon for the media, there are currently no plans to have a character meet and greet at the park.
Elena will make her debut at Disneyland Resort at Disney California Adventure this fall.
I am a Mestizo Mexican who is very much Mexican and proud of my Spanish and Native American heritages. I am excited about Elena of Avalor because it is showing me much about my Spanish side that I have barely understood. It is not Mexican, but it does develop the European Spanish culture. It is very different from the Indian and even the Mestizo. I think that the story of a teenager Crown Princess in a Spanish-like land with culturally based adventures is wonderful. Having said that I am enjoying the animated story, I do not like that Elena is being portrayed by an adult actress. I also do not think that a Latin adult who looks so native American is appropriate for the characterization. Elena is portrayed by a 13 year old voice actress not by a 30 year old woman. She has very big beautiful eyes and this actress does not. I recommend that you recruit more actresses to portray Elena in the Parks who are more like the Princess in the TV program.
In the cartoon the voice of Elena is actually done by a actress who is 28 years old, Elena is actually suppose to be 16 years old not 13.
I’m happy to see a latina princess, but I personally think coronations should be saved for the princesses who have appeared in Disney films, not TV shows. They should have made a film with a latina princess as the starring role if they wanted to add a latina princess to the official princess lineup.
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