History

TIMELINE: 34 Years of Walking For Kids

1964
The original Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) building was constructed through the efforts of local civic leaders and philanthropists—including Walt Disney—laying the foundation for pediatric care in Orange County.

Nov. 10, 1990
A landmark day as patients and staff transition from the original hospital building to a new patient care tower. Nearly 1,000 community members participate in the inaugural CHOC/Disneyland Community Walk, passing by the new hospital site.

1990–1992
The first CHOC Walk spans more than five miles, beginning at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana, passing the hospital, and winding through local neighborhoods to the Disneyland® Resort parking lot.

1993–2001
As participation grows, the Walk outgrows its original route and relocates to South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, where it remains for the next nine years.

2002
The event returns to “The Happiest Place on Earth” and is reimagined as the CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland®  Resort. Walkers experience a one-of-a-kind 5K route through Disneyland®  Park, Disney California Adventure®  Park, and the Downtown Disney District® —all before the parks open to the public.

As the first fundraising event of its kind held at Disneyland® Resort, the CHOC Walk in the Park marks a major milestone, raising more than $550,000, the largest total in the event’s history at the time.

2004
The CHOC Walk in the Park becomes CHOC’s first-ever million-dollar signature fundraising event, reflecting its rapid growth and strong community support.

Today
Now more than three decades strong, the CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland® Resort, remains a beloved part of the Rady Children’s Health Orange County story and continues to be a destination event for participants across Southern California and beyond.