Disneyphiles know all about Mulan, an Asian warrior, and Tiana, an African-American entrepreneur. They are even familiar with Ariel, the former mermaid. But they have never had a Latina character among the company’s roster of “Princess” characters, which also includes Aurora, Cinderella and Snow White. When Elena arrives, the company will have a character that could cultivate broader appeal among a consumer niche that is growing rapidly in the United States. Disney Channel will in the fall air a special TV movie titled “Elena and the Secret of Avalor,” which explains how Elena was imprisoned for decades in a magical amulet and eventually set free by Princess Sofia of Enchancia – the title character of Disney’s popular “Sofia The First” series.
When Elena of Avalor surfaces on Disney Channel at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 22, in a one-hour special of the same name, viewers will have to decide if they want to follow her adventures. The animated teenage character, they will learn, has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress, but must learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen.
Disney is pulling out all the promotional stops to make sure its fans will want to follow her journey. Princess Elena characters will traipse through Walt Disney World Resort this summer and Disneyland Resort in the fall. Disney Publishing has produced print and e-book titles based on the character and her story. And licensees including Habro, Jakks Pacific, Franco Manufacturing and Children’s Apparel Network have readied dolls, role-play products, accessories, home décor and apparel that will be available later this month at Disney Stores and then at mass retailers later in the summer. What’s more, Walt Disney Records will release “My Time,” an anthem from the first show, as a digital single on iTunes Friday, June 24, followed by a six-track EP featuring songs from the series on Friday, July 22.
