'Elena of Avalor': 5 things to know ahead of the premiere

Elena of Avalor, an animated show featuring Disney's first Latina princess, premieres this Friday!

The show follows Elena, a brave and adventurous princess tasked with leading her country even though she is only 16. She has the help of family and friends but also has a lot to learn before she can become queen. The show is geared towards children ages 2-11 and their families.

Here are five things to expect from the premiere:

1. Young and Hungry fans will recognize Elena's voice

The princess is voiced by Aimee Carrero, who also plays Sofia Rodriguez on the Freeform series. Carrero, whose mom is of Dominican descent and whose dad is Puerto Rican, said it means the world to her to play Disney's first Latina princess.

"Disney's been in my family for a very long time and just to see my own images represented, my own culture represented, is really special and I hope it will be for everybody watching," she told Good Morning America.

2. A Latin Grammy Award winner sings the theme song

Gaby Moreno, who won Best New Artist at the 2013 Latin Grammy Awards, is the voice behind the show's theme song. Carrero, pictured above with Moreno, will do her share of singing as well, including Elena's anthem, "My Time."

3. Get ready for some banda and mariachi!

Speaking of music, the series' original songs will be influenced by diverse Latin cultures and will include styles like mariachi, Latin pop, salsa, banda and Chilean hip hop. An EP of seven songs will be out Friday to celebrate the premiere.

4. There are half-bird-half jaguar creatures called jaquins

The diverse influences also color the magic and folklore of the series, making for quite the fantastical universe. Among the friends counseling the crown princess are three jaquins, flying creatures with the body of a jaguar. Another guide is her spirit animal, Zuzu, whose character is based on a belief of a Mayan tribe in southern Mexico that everyone has a spirit double in the animal world.

5. You'll see teasers for Beauty and the Beast and more

Lovers of all things Disney have plenty to get excited about, even during commercials. In addition to the television premiere of a teaser for the live-action Beauty and the Beast, you can catch sneak peeks at Pete's Dragon, Descendants 2 and LEGO Frozen Northern Lights.

Don't miss the premiere of Elena of Avalor on July 22 at 7 p.m. on Disney Channel.

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