The world's largest Disney fan gathering is set to take over Anaheim next week, as D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns to the Anaheim Convention Center from August 14 through 16. The three-day celebration will bring together panels, exhibits and first-look announcements spanning every corner of The Walt Disney Company, from its film and television studios to its theme parks and consumer products division.

D23 head Michael Vargo previewed the event, noting there is truly something for every Disney fan at this event this year. Organizers say the show floor will be the largest in the event's history, with the company dedicating nearly the entire convention center to interactive booths for Disney+ and Hulu, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, Disney's theme parks and its Broadway productions. More than 50 panels, presentations and shows are scheduled across the weekend, giving fans direct access to the filmmakers and creators behind some of the studio's most recognizable franchises.

The weekend kicks off on the evening of August 14 with the Disney Entertainment Showcase at the nearby Honda Center, an event expected to feature celebrity appearances and early looks at upcoming movies and series. Convention center panels will cover a wide range of properties, including The Muppets, "Bluey" and "Scrubs," along with a special panel marking 35 years since the release of "Beauty and the Beast."

Theme park enthusiasts are likely to be the most closely watching crowd, with Disney dedicating an entire presentation to its parks division on August 15. The showcase, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will bring Disney Imagineers to the stage to discuss projects currently in development around the world. At Walt Disney World in Florida, several major builds are already underway: Magic Kingdom is adding a "Cars"-themed area alongside a new land built around Disney's villains, Hollywood Studios is constructing a "Monsters, Inc." land anchored by the company's first suspended coaster, and Animal Kingdom is transforming its former DinoLand U.S.A. site into Tropical Americas, featuring attractions inspired by "Encanto" and Indiana Jones.

Disney will also premiere a new documentary during the event. "Disney Worldbuilders," directed by Leslie Iwerks, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind the company's most iconic stories and park experiences, with interviews featuring former CEO Bob Iger, director James Cameron, Disney Animation's Jennifer Lee and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. D23 attendees will get the first screening on August 16 before the film arrives on Disney+ four days later, on August 20.

The event will close with its traditional Disney Legend Awards ceremony, honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact on the company. This year's class of 13 honorees includes Bob Iger, Dwayne Johnson, Anne Hathaway, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Jonas Brothers, Jerry Bruckheimer and Chris Berman, among others, in a ceremony hosted by Ryan Seacrest at the Honda Center on August 16.