4:50pm ET
Princess Elena will be making her TV debut on Disney Channel in a special one-hour episode, airing July 22 at 7:00pm. During this special 60 minute introduction, fans will quickly learn all about Disney's first Latin-American inspired princess.
Elena of Avalor lives in the same universe as Disney Jr.'s Sofia the First. Princess Sofia describes Elena as [a] "Courageous and adventurous teenager who saved his kingdom from an evil witch and now must learn to govern as crown princess until she was mature enough to become queen."
In the first episode, titled First Day of Rule, fans will learn that the animated teenager has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress but has some maturing to do before becoming queen. It will recap the adventure of the animated teenager saving her kingdom from an evil sorceress-- but Elena will learn she has much growing to do before becoming queen.
Princess Elena will be a bilingual princess who will also sing a variety of original songs, ranging from Latinos Mariachi to Salsa and even Chilean Hip Hop.
Craig Gerber, the mind behind both Sofia the First and Elena of Avalor plays a big part in Elena's development as a character. Her stories will be influenced by Latin and Hispanic cultures, through architecture, traditions, foods and customs. Her character is also heavily involved with mythology, magic and music-- with new songs frequently airing.
This fall, Disney Channel will broadcast a television movie, Elena, the Secret of Avalor, showing the backstory between Princess Elena and Princess Sofia's relationship. This segment will explain how Elena was imprisoned in a magic amulet for decades before being released by Sofia. With a July 22nd premiere date, Disney fans will learn all about Princess Elena before she officially debuts at Walt Disney World in August and Disneyland Resort in the fall.