Elena of Avalor

Elena of Avalor is an American animated television series created by Craig Gerber that premiered on Disney Channel on July 22, 2016, and moved to Disney Junior on July 14, 2018. The series features Aimee Carrero as the voice of Elena, Disney's first Latina princess.

In July 2020, Disney announced that Elena of Avalor would end after three seasons. The series finale, "Coronation Day" aired on August 23, 2020.

Plot
Princess Elena Castillo Flores has been freed from the Amulet of Avalor by Princess Sofia and has saved her magical kingdom of Avalor from evil sorceress Shuriki. As she had been trapped in the amulet for 41 years while Shuriki ruled the kingdom, she must now learn to rule as its crown princess. 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 little 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.

In season 1, Elena adjusts to her new life as crown princess, while learning to master the power of her scepter. At the end of the season, Elena learns from Quita Moz of the Sunbird Oracles that she will soon be facing a darkness and will be tested on her bravery and leadership; if she fails, she will never become queen.

In the second season, Elena spends time preparing for her test while simultaneously facing Victor and Carla Delgado, who have teamed up with Shuriki, who has her powers restored. She also befriends the Sirenas of Nueva Vista, and enlists their help to defeat Shuriki.

In season 3, Elena's cousin Esteban is revealed to have been in on Shuriki's original takeover of the kingdom more than 41 years earlier, and is banished from the kingdom. Meanwhile, Elena is granted new emotion-based powers after falling into a crystal well in Takaina. She spends the season preparing for her coronation as queen, learning to control her emotion magic, and facing down the Delgados' wicked matriarch, Ash.

Elena's adventures lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience, and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.

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 fairytale 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.

The series concluded on August 23, 2020.

Broadcast
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.

Home media
Home media is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Region 2 Season 1 DVDs 2017–2018
In the UK, Disney released the first DVD, Elena of Avalor: Ready to Rule in English on 30 January 2017.

A second DVD called, Elena And The Secret of Avalor, was released on 17 July 2017.

A third and final DVD Disney released in the UK was called, Elena of Avalor: Celebrations to Remember, on 5 February 2018.

Region 2 DVDs Future
Disney has NOT released the 4th DVD called A Realm of the Jacquins in Region 2 in the UK, since the Elena of Avalor: Celebrations to Remember DVD came out on the 5th February 2018.

Reception
The series received generally 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 heartwarming. She additionally argued that the show's incorporation of Latin influences was a "welcome change in kids' programming."