Elena of Avalor

**Elena of Avalor** is an American television series created by Craig Gerber.

It focuses on Princess Elena, who has saved her magical kingdom, Avalor, from an evil sorceress and must learn to rule as its crown Princess.

The series premiered on Disney Channel and Disney Junior on July 22, 2016 and aired for three seasons until August 23, 2020.

## Plot

Princess Elena Castillo Flores, now grown up, has saved her magical kingdom of Avalor from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as its crowned princess. Elena's adventures will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience, and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders. Since she is only 16 years old, she must follow the guidance of a Grand Council, composed of her grandparents, older cousin Chancellor Esteban, and a new friend, Naomi Turner. Elena also looks to her younger sister, Isabel, her friends, wizard Mateo, and Royal Guard lieutenant, Gabe, a spirit animal named Zuzo, and a trio of magical flying creatures called Jaquins for guidance and support.

## Cast and Characters

### Main

* Aimee Carrero as Princess Elena Castillo Flores
* Jenny Ortega as Princess Isabel Castillo Flores
* Keith Ferguson as Zuzo
* Jillian Rose Reed as Naomi Turner
* Carlos Alazraqui as Skylar
* Chris Parnell as Migs
* Yvette Nicole Brown as Luna
* Jorge Diaz as Gabriel "Gabe" Núñez
* Joseph Haro as Mateo de Alva
* Christian Lanz as Chancellor Esteban
* Julia Vera as Luisa Flores
* Emiliano Díez as Francisco Flores
* Joe Nunez as Armando

### Recurring

* Rich Sommer as Captain Daniel Turner
* Mikey Kelley as Higgins
* Constance Marie as Doña Paloma
* Justina Machado as Carmen
* Jaime Camil as Julio
* Lucas Grabeel as Jiku
* Gaby Moreno as Marlena
* Desmond Gerber, Maximus Riegel and Gia Lopez as Mingo, Zoom and Estrella
* Echo Kellum as King Joaquín
* Wilber Zaldivar as Nico
* Jenna Lea Rosen and Lincoln Melcher as Ciela and Avion
* Jess Harnell as Chief Zephyr
* André Sogliuzzo as King Verago
* Rosie Perez as Dulce
* Cheech Marin as Quita Moz
* Whoopi Goldberg, Cloris Leachman and Tony Plana as Lama, Hool and Qapa
* Richard Kind as Cacahuate
* Kether Donohue as Flo

## Episodes

See Also: List of Elena of Avalor Episodes

 2 | 24
 3 | 28

## Production

The series' creator and executive producer Craig Gerber said: "It was very important to us that, since we were doing a show with a kingdom inspired by Latin American culture, that we get that right. Even though it's a fairy-tale world, there are things that feel very authentic." Story editor Silvia Olivas stated: "We have cultural consultants help us every step of the way. They read everything from the premise all the way through the final draft." On the show's music, Latin music consultant Rene Camacho said: "The styles of music we're using overall, it's all Latin-based, it's very festive." Consultant Diane Rodriguez stated that the series "has this visual element that's so evocative, it takes the look of the Latino culture, of the Americas, almost to another level." In June 2016, the music video for "My Time" was released. The series was renewed for a second season on August 11, 2016. The series was renewed for a third season on February 13, 2017. The second season premiered on October 14, 2017.

On September 17, 2019, it was announced that the third season would premiere on October 7, 2019.

## Release

The debut episode "First Day of Rule" was distributed on-demand on June 20, 2016 by Rogers TV in Canada. Disney scheduled the online release in the United States for July 1, 2016. An episode of the series aired as a sneak peek on Disney Channel in the UK and Ireland on July 15, 2016, and more episodes aired later in the year. A television movie titled Elena and the Secret of Avalor, which shows the origins of the series, premiered on November 20, 2016. The series' final episode, a one-hour special, "Elena of Avalor: Coronation Day" aired on August 23, 2020.

## Reception

The series received a positive reception. Emily Ashby of Common Sense Media described the series protagonist, Elena, as a "spunky Latina-inspired princess" and said she is an "excellent role model." She said that while a few scenes might be "scary for youngsters" there are strong themes of "friendship, family relationships... honesty, fairness, and kindness" and called the series funny and heart-warming. She additionally argued that the show's incorporation of Latin influences was a "welcome change in kids' programming."