Disney Introduces First Latina Princess With ‘Elena Of Avalor’ — Spin-Off Of ‘Sofia The First’

The world is about to be introduced to the first ever Latina Disney Princess, and her name will be Elena.

Come 2016, Princess Elena of Avalor is going to make her official debut in an episode of Sofia the First on Disney Junior, and it will lead to her own spin-off show. The 16-year-old princess hails from a kingdom that is inspired by Latin cultures and folklore, per TV Line.

Aimee Carrero will voice Elena, and she is best known for her role on Young and Hungry on ABC Family. Nancy Kanter, Disney Junior Executive Vice President, says they are very excited about the debut of Elena of Avalor.

“What excites us most is the chance to use distinctive animation and visual design to tell wonderful stories influenced by culture and traditions that are familiar to the worldwide population of Hispanic and Latino families and reflect the interests and aspirations of all children as told through a classic fairy tale.”

Sofia the First is one of the premiere and most-watched shows on Disney Junior, and it incorporates numerous Disney Princesses into the storyline. Viewers of the television series have seen Sofia meet up with Ariel, Mulan, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and others.

According to E! Online, Sofia will discover just how Elena was trapped inside of the Amulet of Avalor, which she always wears around her neck. She then sets out to help Elena get back to her 16-year-old human form and return to Avalor.

As the story goes, Elena was trapped inside of the amulet after attempting to protect her grandparents and little sister from the evil sorceress, Shuriki. Along the way, Elena of Avalor will get help from her Grandmother Cici, Grandfather Tito, and Duke Esteban, along with friends Mateo, a wizard-in-training, and Skylar, a magical flying creature.

The lineup of Disney Princesses continues to grow and is extremely popular among girls. Elena is indeed the first Hispanic princess in a group that includes Pocahontas (Native American), Mulan (Chinese), Tiana (African-American), and Jasmine (Arab).

For many years, Disney has faced stiff competition in the Hispanic market from Nickelodeon and Dora the Explorer. It continues to be one of their biggest hits in not just the Hispanic demographic, but with all viewers.

Elena of Avalor will be the first Latina Disney Princess, and she’s set to debut in 2016. Some believe that success with the Sofia the First spin-off could eventually lead to a feature-length animated film as well.

[Image via Disney]