Disney is getting its first Hispanic princess

In a recognition of the importance of the Latino market, particularly among families with young children, Disney will debut a new animated series called Elena of Avalor next year on its Disney Junior channel and programming blocks around the world.Elena lives in “an enchanted fairytale kingdom inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore” according to an announcement from the company. She will be introduced first as part of Disney Junior’s hit show Sofia the First.The supporting cast of the show includes Elena’s grandfather Tito, grandmother Cici, adviser Duke Esteban, and wizard-in-training Mateo.The show will tell stories “influenced by culture and traditions that are familiar to the world-wide population of Hispanic and Latino families and reflect the interests and aspirations of all children as told through a classic fairy tale” Disney Junior general manager Nancy Kanter said in a statement.Disney’s lineup of princesses, a brand hugely popular among girls, has included an Arab (Jasmine from Aladdin), Native American (Pocahontas), Chinese (Mulan) and African-American (Tiana of The princess and the frog), but no Latinas to date. Disney Junior, which is as important a brand on toy-store shelves for the company as it is on televisions, has also lacked a major Hispanic character.