The premiere of ELENA OF AVALOR the highly anticipated animated series that introduces a princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures, will be presented simultaneously with limited interruption on Disney Channel and Disney Junior, and will include special previews of upcoming Disney feature films. The television event includes two consecutive episodes of "Elena of Avalor," TONIGHT, JULY 22 (7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT, and other special content including:
• A telecast of the worldwide sensation,
Walt Disney Animation Studios' animated feature "Frozen" (5:15 p.m.). This will lead in to the "Elena of Avalor" premiere (7:00 p.m.). Both timeslots will include a first look at the upcoming animated short-form series "LEGO Frozen Northern Lights" featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven on an epic adventure to restore the glimmer of the Northern Lights. "Lego Frozen Northern Lights" premieres in November on Disney Channel.
• Disney Channel's exclusive first look at a scene from the upcoming Disney feature film "Pete's Dragon," opening in theatres August 12.
• The exclusive television premiere of a captivating teaser trailer for the upcoming Disney film "Beauty and the Beast" with comments from its star,
Emma Watson. The film opens March 17, 2017.
• A teaser trailer for "Descendants 2," the sequel to the hit
Disney Channel Original Movie set to premiere in summer 2017.
"Disney has the stories and characters that kids and families want, including an inspiring new story and character in 'Elena of Avalor,'" said Paul DeBenedittis, senior vice president, Programming and Content Strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide, "and this programming event continues our commitment to serve our viewers."
The first "Elena of Avalor" episode will be newly available for all users Wednesday, July 20, on the
Disney Channel and
Disney Junior app,
Disney Channel VOD platforms and
Disney Channel YouTube. Following its U.S. debut, the series will roll out in 163 countries on Disney Channels and Disney Junior.
Set in the enchanted fairytale land of Avalor, "Elena of Avalor" tells the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. Elena's journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.
The stories incorporate influences from diverse Latin and Hispanic cultures through architecture, traditions, food and customs. Magic, mythology, folklore and music also play an important role, with each episode featuring original songs spanning an array of Latin musical styles including Mariachi, Latin Pop, Salsa, Banda and Chilean Hip Hop.
Extensions for the series include Disney Parks & Resorts, which will welcome Princess Elena at
Walt Disney WORLD Resort this summer and at Disneyland Resort in the fall; print and e-book titles from Disney Publishing; and dolls, role-play products, accessories, home décor and apparel from Disney Store and licensees including Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, Franco Manufacturing and Children's Apparel Network. Products will begin setting later this month at Disney Store and will continue to roll out at mass retailers throughout the summer.
Walt Disney Records will release a seven-track EP including Elena's anthem, "My Time," on Friday, July 22, and Disney Studios will release an episode compilation DVD later this year.
"Elena of Avalor" stars
Aimee Carrero as
THE VOICE of Elena;
Jenna Ortega as Princess Isabel;
Chris Parnell,
Yvette Nicole Brown and Carlos Alazraqui as the jaquins Migs, Luna and Skylar, respectively; Emiliano Díez as Francisco; Julia Vera as Luisa; Christian Lanz as Chancellor Esteban; Jill
Ian Rose Reed as Naomi;
Joseph Haro as Mateo;
Jorge Diaz as Gabe; Keith Ferguson as Zuzo; and
Joe Nunez as Armando. Latin Grammy Award winner Gaby Moreno performs the series' theme song and will also voice a guest role.
"Elena of Avalor" was created by Emmy Award winner Craig Gerber, who also serves as executive producer. Silvia Cardenas Olivas is the story editor, and Elliot M. Bour is the supervising director. The series' cultural advisors are Marcela Davison Avilés, founder of The Chapultepec Group, co-founder of the international Latino arts initiative Camino Arts, and Director of Humanities Programs at the FDR Foundation at Harvard University; and
Diane Rodriguez, Associate Artistic Director of Centre Theatre Group and co-founder of the theatre ensemble Latins Anonymous, who was recently appointed by
President Obama to be a member of the National Council on the Arts. Emmy Award-nominated Tony Morales ("Hatfields & McCoys") is the composer, Emmy Award winner
John Kavanaugh ("Sofia the First") is the songwriter/music director, and acclaimed touring musician and Latin music instructor Rene Camacho serves as Latin music consultant.
"Elena of Avalor" is a production of Disney Television Animation and carries a TV-Y parental guideline.
Photo credit: Disney Channel*
