Jenna Ortega promotes “Elena of Avalor”

By Nikoleta Morales

On June 22, Disney Store on Michigan Ave in Chicago celebrated the launch of a new toy line for the upcoming “Elena of Avalor” series. The event used the help of Jenna Ortega who is the voice of Isabel and also stars in Disney’s “Stuck in the Middle.” The unveiling featured a custom window display with art from the series and a lot of excited fans who cheered as the display unveiled. Ortega voices Elena’s younger sister Isabel who is “very smart, loves her family and is a helper.” Ortega says that growing up she always dreamed of playing a princess and now that her dream has come true it feels “amazing.”

“We both love math and science, we both love our families and we are both Latinas,” said Ortega in regards to her and Isabel. The series tells the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be a queen. The stories incorporate influences from diverse Latin and Hispanic cultures, such as music, folklore, mythology and magic. “Watch it! It’s very inspiring! There are great role models you can look up to and funny story lines,” said Ortega in regards to the series. “Elena of Avalor” debuts with a one-hour premier event on July 22 on Disney Channel. The “Elena of Avalor” toy line is now available for purchase in the Chicago Disney stores.