Nearly every young girl has dreamed of becoming a princess. For 14 year old Auli'i Cravalho, that dream has come true, and she has quite the Cinderella story.

Cravalho has recently been cast as the voice of the newest Disney princess, Moana. The movie Moana was inspired by the revival of tribal traditions in the Pacific Islands, specifically sailing in the Hokulea tribe. Pacific Islanders pride themselves on being some of the best sea charters in the world. This is the foundation for the movie along with some ancient Hawaiian myths. "The whole inspiration for this movie was the return of voyaging," said Director Ron Clements. in an interview with Star Advertiser. "We were hugely inspired by the story of the Hokulea."

In the movie, Moana is an adventurous young teenager who sets sail on a daring mission to save her sea-fairing people and fulfill the ancient quest of her ancestors. On her journey, Moana meets the formerly mighty demigod Maui who is voiced by Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson. Maui accompanies and guides Moana in her quest to become a "master wayfinder" and together, they embark across the open ocean where Moana discovers not only new lands and new creatures, but also her own identity.

Such a strong and fiery female character needed an equally strong and determined actress to give Moana her voice. All the Disney princesses thus far have been voiced by either Broadway singers and actors or well-established Hollywood stars and though the typical age of the Disney princesses range from 16 to 19, the actresses who voice them have always been well into their twenties or even late into their thirties. That is, until now.

Cravalho is a young teenage girl and native pacific islander born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii. In an interview with People magazine, Auli'i said her hopes of becoming the voice of Moana were very small. "From baby time to now, I wanted to be a Disney princess and then I wanted to be a singer or an actress," said Cravalho in an interview with People Magazine. "When I first heard there was going to be an audition to potentially play the role of Moana, I thought 'no way that could be me.'"

However, like how Cinderella's fairy god-mother got her to the ball that changed her life, the Oahu casting agency whisked Cravalho off to the audition that changed hers. "I had originally auditioned for a non-profit charity event with a group of my friends." said Cravalho. Rachel Sutton, the casting director for Disney, was going through audition tapes and Cravalho's audition captured her attention, “She said, 'You look like you could potentially be a good try-out person [for Moana],'" said Cravalho of Sutton.

"Weeks went by and we got this email and it was for Moana," said Puanani Cravalho, mother of Auli'i, in an interview with People. "We went in for the official audition.”

Cravalho flew to audition in Walt Disney Animation Studios, Burbank

. She was the very last person out of hundreds of girls to audition on the very last day of casting. She had no professional acting or voicing experience, and her only experience in singing was with her school's glee club. However, Cravalho described her audition in a press conference as "the most fun I have ever had."

Then, months later, Cravalho got a call-back.

Cravalho's callback session was a video call from Burbank with producer Osnat Shurer an directors Ron Clements and John Musker, to Cravalho in Honolulu. After running through lines, director Clements said, "That’s good, but is there a way you could be happier still?" Then director Musker added, "Play it more like we’re telling you that we’re offering you the role." Cravalho had no idea that she was auditioning for an audience that had already chosen their Moana--her.

“They made her do a couple more things and then she actually received the news that she was Moana," said Cravalho's mother.

“We are here to collectively tell you…" said Musker to Cravalho, "...We want you to be the voice of Moana.”

After a teary eyed Cravalho gave multiple thank yous and kisses to the producer and directors, she called her mother with the great news, that she was going to be the next Disney princess in its 56th animated movie.

"We saver the moment," said Cravalho's mother. "Yeah, it’s real. Yes Alui’i you’re Moana.”

In a press conference with Star Advertiser, Cravalho gave a warm and heartfelt introduction to her excitement and enthusiasm to receiving the starring role of Moana. "It is an incredible honor not to only represent myself and my family on this journey but to represent the people throughout the Pacific Islands," said Cravalho. "Moana is a fierce and determined character, and I am just as determined to give everything I have to this role.

"

In the casting press release, Musker said they had chosen Cravalho for the part of Moana because of a "certain fearlessness in her auditions and callbacks." He added, "She has a playful, mischievous wit. She can project vulnerability, she doesn't seem intimidated at all by the challenges ahead, and her Polynesian background has helped shape her connection to family, hard work, and music. These are all qualities she shares with Moana."

Many voice actors for Disney, such as Jodi Benson for the voice of Ariel, say they have had a very real connection with the characters they gave voices to. For Cravalho, having come from the same background and heritage as her character Moana, her connection will likely be far greater. "Moana is such an amazing character," said Cravalo to People. She's brave, she is so empowered, she knows what she wants and she's not afraid to get it, and I think that's something that I can relate to as well."

It’s very new direction for the Disney company and princess line and to have the voice of the Disney princess not only be a young teenager, but also a native Pacific Islander to match the heritage of the character.

It's a new and fresh angle that will hopefully inspire young girls all over the world to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams. To be a princess, all you need is faith, trust, and a little bit of bravery.