hey’re some of the most beloved films—and treasured characters—in silver-screen history, making us laugh, reminding us of home, and warming our hearts like a colorful, cozy blanket. Since unboxing Toy Story in 1995, Disney•Pixar has created stories and personalities that have charmed fans the world over—and now, for the first time ever, the legendary animation studio is getting the full Disney Parks celebratory treatment!

Pixar Fest, the biggest Pixar bash ever to come to Disney Parks, will bring guests young and old together to “celebrate friendship and beyond”—and it’s all kicking off on April 13 at the Disneyland Resort. Recently, D23 was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at all the incredible Pixar hijinks coming to the Fest; from special food offerings to the return of favorite parades (with some extra-special surprises), and even a brand-new fireworks spectacular, there’s something for every Pixar fan! (And that’s on top of the amazing Pixar fun that already exists at the Resort, like Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland park and Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure park.) Read on for the seven things you absolutely cannot miss.

Together Forever fireworks

1. Grab your best friends and look to the skies over Sleeping Beauty Castle
It just might be the signature event of Pixar Fest—and having seen a special “dress rehearsal,” we can totally see why! Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular will feature unforgettable music and incredible projections combined with the kind of mind-blowing fireworks that only Disney can create! D23 got the lowdown on what went into creating Together Forever from its show director, Susana Tubert; read all about it right here.

Pixar Fest eats

2. Eat your way through delectable Pixar-ified food and drink
If you’re able to visit the Disneyland Resort during Pixar Fest, which runs through September 3, you positively must come hungry: There is some incredible Pixar-inspired fare coming to both parks. From a “TV dinner” a la Carl Fredrickson from Up at Disneyland park’s Carnation Café and bread shaped like Monsters, Inc.’s Mike Wazowski at Disney California Adventure’s Pacific Wharf, to several amazing Pixar-themed churros at both parks, there’s something delicious for every palate. (And don’t forget: Starting on June 23, Pixar Pier’s Lamplighter Lounge will offer incredible gastropub-style food, craft beer, signature cocktails… and fan-fave lobster nachos, of course!)

Pixar Play Parade new floats

3. “Pixar Play Parade” moves to Disneyland Park…
Two fabulous parades will be bringing Pixar characters to life like never before! Case in point: The “Pixar Play Parade” will make a big move from Disney California Adventure park to Disneyland park for the duration of Pixar Fest, and it’ll feature several brand-new floats! Look for the adorably iconic Pixar lamp to kick off the festivities, as well as floats starring Joy, Sadness, and Bing-Bong from Inside Out… and Russell, Carl, Kevin, and Dug from Up.

Incredibles Paint the Night float

4. … and “Paint the Night” returns, this time at Disney California Adventure
This crowd-pleasing, brilliantly hued parade comes back to Disneyland Resort—now inside Disney California Adventure; already spot lit are high-energy floats celebrating Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and Cars, but starting in June, a truly incredible new entrant will join the throng! Characters from The Incredibles(soon to be seen this summer in Incredibles 2) will come to life through dazzling LED lights, new music elements, and pop-art effects inspired by the mid-century-modern style of the films.

Lava

5. Catch a Pixar short or listen to some Pixar tunes
For your viewing pleasure, a collection of heartwarming Pixar Shorts will be featured at the Sunset Showcase Theater at Disney California Adventure park’s Hollywood Land during most of Pixar Fest—including faves like For the Birds and Lava. If you’re a SoCal “local” and happen to visit the resort a few times during the Fest, know that the shorts will rotate during the celebration. And over in DCA’s Paradise Gardens, look for a super-cool new live musical troupe, singing and playing all manner of Pixar-inspired music, but that’s not all: Younger fans can enjoy fun crafts and an activity area nearby, and you’ll also be able to meet and greet with Pixar characters!

Lightning and Cruz

6. Speaking of Pixar characters…
If there are Disney•Pixar characters in your life that you’ve cherished for years, chances are very high they’ll be available for photo opps (and hugs!) during Pixar Fest. Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody, and Jessie from Toy Story; Mike Wazowski and Sulley from Monsters, Inc.; Nemo and Dory from Finding Nemo; and Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars will all be part of the fun. And, “darling”—we have it on good authority that some new favorites might be popping up at the resort later this summer, once Pixar Pier opens.

Pixar Pier

7. Yup, that’s right—there’s even more Pixar fun to come later this summer!
As the summer fun ramps up at Disneyland Resort, so does the Pixar merriment. On June 23, as part of Pixar Fest, Pixar Pier will open at Disney California Adventure park! The area currently known as Paradise Pier will be transformed into several distinct new neighborhoods, themed to The Incredibles (featuring the sure-to-be-amazing Incredicoaster), Toy Story, Inside Out, and so much more. Keep your eyes peeled for more information on Pixar Pier as we get closer to its big debut.

So grab your “besties” and head down to Pixar Fest, beginning April 13 and delighting one and all through September 3—only at Disneyland Resort!