Honestly, if you grew up watching Disney XD, you probably remember the chaos of Kinkow. Two teenage brothers from Chicago suddenly find out they’re kings of a tropical island, things go sideways every ten minutes, and there's a giant mummy or a tarantula person lurking around every corner. But amidst the slapstick and the "boom" jokes, there was one person actually holding the entire island together.
Mikayla Makoola.
Played by Kelsey Asbille (then credited as Kelsey Chow), Mikayla was way more than just the "girl next door" or a love interest for King Brady. She was the royal advisor’s daughter, a high-level security guard, and basically the only person with a functioning brain on an island full of magical mishaps. Looking back, she was the character who gave the show its heart—and its backbone.
More Than Just the Royal Advisor's Daughter
Mikayla wasn't just hanging around the palace for the vibes. She was the daughter of Mason Makoola, the fierce (and hilariously overprotective) Royal Advisor. From the very first episode, "Return of the Kings," it was clear that Mikayla knew more about Kinkow’s history, culture, and dangerous creatures than anyone else.
She wasn't just a guide. She was a warrior.
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Think about it: while Brady and Boomer were busy trying to turn mermaids into human princesses or accidentally reviving mummies with bat medallions, Mikayla was the one with the bo staff. She’s officially ranked as the third-best trained security member on the island. That’s no small feat when you’re dealing with the Dark Side of the island. She even bragged once about getting a scar on her neck from tackling a crocodile. Total boss move.
The Dynamics of Kinkow Security
- Mason Makoola: The top dog and over-the-top protective dad.
- Mikayla: The tactical expert who actually solves the problems.
- The Kings: Usually the ones she’s saving (though they try their best).
The Brady and Mikayla "Will They, Won't They"
We have to talk about the romance. It’s what everyone was shipping back in 2010. Brady had a massive, borderline obsessive crush on her from the second he stepped off the boat. Mikayla, on the other hand, spent most of the first two seasons looking at him like he was a mildly annoying puppy.
But things shifted. Slowly.
There’s that episode "Big Kings on Campus" where Brady gets insanely jealous of her friend Tristan. We see Mikayla actually start to care about Brady’s opinion. Then comes the Season 2 finale, "The Evil King." That dream sequence where they kiss? It changed everything. Fans were convinced they were the endgame.
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Then, real life happened. Mitchel Musso left the show before Season 3, and Brady was written off with a quick explanation that he went back to Chicago to prove he could be a king on his own. It felt hollow. For Mikayla, it meant her character had to pivot hard. She went from being the object of Brady's affection to being a friend and mentor to the new king, Boz.
Some fans argue Season 3 "butchered" the relationship, but in a way, it showed Mikayla’s resilience. She didn't need a king to be relevant. She was still the Guard of the Year (a title she actually won over her father, by the way).
Kelsey Asbille’s Evolution After Kinkow
It’s wild to see where Kelsey Asbille is now. If you watch Yellowstone today, seeing her as Monica Dutton is a total trip compared to her days on Disney XD. She’s a powerhouse actress who has completely shed the "Disney kid" label.
Even back then, she was balancing a lot. She was filming Pair of Kings while studying Human Rights at Columbia University. She’s mentioned in interviews how her grandmother was a huge role model for her—an independent woman who worked for the World Health Organization. You can almost see that same independent, "get things done" energy in how she played Mikayla.
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Why Mikayla Still Matters to Fans
Why do people still post about "Brikayla" on Reddit and TikTok over a decade later? It’s because Mikayla broke the mold for Disney XD female characters. She wasn't a damsel. She was the smartest person in the room.
She dealt with Lanny’s schemes, she survived being turned into a mermaid (and speaking in dolphin chirps!), and she managed to stay sane while her dad treated her like a toddler. She represented the girl who was "one of the guys" but also didn't take any of their nonsense.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to revisit the world of Kinkow and Mikayla, here’s what you should do:
- Watch the "Guard of the Year" episodes: Specifically "Fatal Distraction," where Mikayla proves she's the best guard on the island.
- Look for the subtle growth: Rewatch the transition between the end of Season 2 and the start of Season 3 to see how her character adapted to a new lead dynamic.
- Check out Kelsey’s newer work: If you want to see her range, watch Wind River or Yellowstone. It’s a masterclass in how much she’s grown since her island days.
Mikayla Makoola was the glue that kept the King Cruiser from crashing. She might not have worn a crown, but she was the true royalty of Kinkow.
To dive deeper into the series, you can stream all three seasons of Pair of Kings on Disney+. Keep an eye out for the episode "The One About Mikayla's Friends" for a rare look at her life outside of her royal duties.