Elena of Avalor

After Disney's first botched attempt at a Latina princess, Elena Castillo Flores and the Latin-inspired world of Avalor feel polished in comparison. The world of Avalor simplifies several cultures into a Latinidad pastiche, which could easily have felt careless in its execution. (The decision to sprinkle post-colonial Spanish throughout the series lands strangely, for example, given the show's mostly pre-colonial setting.) Thankfully, the writers were intentional in their research, and all references are rooted in reality. But for all its groundbreaking celebration of Latin culture, which shouldn't be discounted, Elena of Avalor takes shortcuts in other areas: Afro-Latinos are absent, and portrayals such as the Japanese-inspired Satu or Jewish kingdom of Galonia blur the line between "simplistic" and "stereotypical." And while the show does center confident women and female relationships, other aspects of diversity -- disability, sexuality, body size, skin color, etc. -- are missing.

A brief scene shows Elena's parents zapped by a sorceress, and it's implied that they die. Sword fights, some skirmishes, and other magical exchanges, but no serious injuries.

Parents need to know that Elena of Avalor features Disney's first Latina princess and incorporates many aspects of different Latin traditions and Indigenous folklore, showcasing them through music, dance, and some Spanish language. But the cultural vagueness -- and absence of darker-skinned Latinos -- leaves ample room for Disney to continue expanding on its roster of Latin characters. As it stands, Elena is an excellent role model -- imperfect and impulsive but eager, determined, and kind. A few scenes of sorcery might be scary for very little kids, and one results in the presumed death of two characters (though it's not shown and only alluded to). Expect positive messages about friendship, family relationships, and respecting other people's experience and knowledge, as well as honesty, fairness, and empathy. This funny, heartwarming series is a worthy addition to the Disney princess collection.