Disney is well known for producing high-quality television shows and movies. One of their Disney Channel movie hits was Princess Protection Program starring Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez.
The 2009 Disney Channel Original Movie “Princess Protection Program” starred Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato in the two lead roles (Credit: John White / INFphoto)
This movie premiered on June 26, 2009, and was released on DVD shortly after on June 30, 2009. The other cast members of Princess Protection Program include Nicholas Braun as Ed, Molly Hagan as the Director, Johnny Ray Rodriguez as General Magnus Kane, Jamie Chung as Chelsea Barnes, Robert Adamson as Donny, Samantha Droke as Brooke, Kevin G. Schmidt as Bull, and Dale Dickey as Helen Digenerstet.
The Princess Protection Program was a groundbreaking film, the first Disney Channel Original movie released in a widescreen format.
It went on to win the 2009 Teen Choice Awards for Choice Summer Movie, cementing its place in pop culture history.
Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez starred in the 2009 Disney Channel Original Movie Princess Protection Program (Credit: Disney–ABC Domestic Television)
The plot follows Princess Rosalinda (portrayed by Lovato) as she flees her kingdom and lives as a regular American teenager, with guidance from Carter (Gomez).
Let’s look at why one word was repeated 80 times in the Princess Protection Program and other interesting facts from behind the scenes of the Disney channel hit.
From Best Friends to Co-Stars
Disney is known for creating teen movie stars and kickstarting their acting and singing careers. Two Disney Channel world-famous actresses are Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez.
Both of these exceptionally talented women started their careers on the Disney Channel. Selena Gomez rose to fame when she starred in the Disney Channel original Wizards of Waverly Place. Demi Lovato was the feature breakout star of the Disney Channel movie series Camp Rock.
Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez were both 16 when they starred in Princess Protection Program (Credit: Disney–ABC Domestic Television)
Now, this was not the first time that these two actresses worked together. They actually met and starred in the children’s television series Barney & Friends.
Since the release of the movie, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato have remained close friends and have continued to be a positive influence on each other’s lives, despite some ups and downs in their friendship over the years.
At the time of the movie’s release, both actresses were only sixteen and just weeks away from turning seventeen, making them relatable role models for their young fans.
The 80 Repetitions of the Word “Princess”
So, let’s get back to the question on everyone’s mind: why was one word repeated 80 times in the Princess Protection Program? The word that was repeated throughout the movie was repeated 80 times was the word “princess.”
It was repeated throughout the movie to remind the characters and views how vastly different their lifestyles were. Despite looking and acting like a regular teenager, the reality was that Rosalinda was not a regular teenager.
Selena Gomez portrays Carter Mason, who becomes an agent of the Princess Protection Program (Credit: Disney–ABC Domestic Television)
There are several other interesting facts when it came to filming the Princess Protection Program. Selena Gomez was originally cast as Princess Rosalinda, while Demi Lovato was originally cast as Carter.
“I’m outgoing just like Carter is, but she gets into a Pennsylvania, and I don’t get into trouble like she does, that’s for sure. I guess style-wise, we’re kind of similar. I like to dress very relaxed and Carter just tank tops and pants, and that’s me, too,” Selena said about her role of Carter in an interview.
Demi Lovato plays Princess Rosalinda Maria Montoya Fiore/Rosie Gonzalez, who later becomes Queen of Costa Luna (Credit: Disney–ABC Domestic Television)
The girls decided to switch roles and were much happier. The final product’s success proved that the switch was well worth the switch.
All is not as it seems in the Princess Protection Program. This movie was actually filmed in Puerto Rico.
Princess Protection Program starring Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez is the first Disney Channel Original Movie filmed in Puerto Rico (Credit: Disney–ABC Domestic Television)
And the pictures displayed all around Carter’s house are actual photographs of Selena Gomez from when she was a little girl. Rosalinda’s yellow ballgown was inspired by and resembles Belle’s dress from Beauty and the Beast.
The legacy of The Princess Protection Program
The Princess Protection Program left its mark on the fans of Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato.
The film’s message of friendship, loyalty, and acceptance of differences continues to resonate with viewers, and the performances of Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato have helped to cement their status as two of the most beloved stars of their generation.
The movie has also sparked numerous fan theories and discussions and has become a popular topic of nostalgia for those who grew up watching Disney Channel in the late 2000s.
Selena Gomez clips her hair back as she rushes to catch a plane at Los Angeles International Airport on April 7, 2016 (Credit: WENN)
We love a celebrity who loves their fans!
In April 2016, the then-23-year-old American singer and actress was spotted rushing to catch a plane at the Los Angeles International Airport but didn’t hesitate to stop to talk to two fans and sign autographs for others.
Selena wore a cleavage-baring white tee with a printed jacket and sweatpants from Vetements.
Selena Gomez is surrounded by bodyguards as she arrives at LAX to catch a flight (Credit: WENN)
The singer styled her casual look with an unstable-looking pair of slanted-heel boots, also by Vetements, and a pair of the it-sunglasses from Christian Dior.
Selena Gomez signs autographs for fans as she arrives at LAX (Credit: WENN)
Selena stopped and bent over to talk to two young fans standing behind her in line, even though she was in a rush to check in for her flight.
Selena Gomez wears a pair of black Vetements boots (Credit: WENN)
Selena showed off her bright disposition throughout her entire airport trek. She even took the time to thank a photographer who called her beautiful.
Available at Ssense and Farfetch, these boots look like they’ll have us rocking back and forth, but Selena looks pretty comfortable in them.
Vetements Black Leather Chunky Cowboy Boots, $1,070 – $1,495