The CHOC “Walk in the Park“ is a very special event happening at the Disneyland Resort this Sunday. This annual event has become an Orange County institution that brings more than 12,000 CHOC Walkers to the Disneyland Resort as the sunrises to participate in a 5K walk through Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney. It is a one-of-a-kind event and I have five great reasons why you should sign up to walk.

1. It feels good to help kids. 
All Walkers raise $50 or more to participate in the Walk. That money goes to fund the amazing treatment programs and research at CHOC Children’s–a hospital that has been ranked among the nation’s very best children’s hospitals in seven specialties and leads the way in pioneering the future of pediatric care. Among the hospitals notable programs including the very first use of radiation-free electrophysiology to cure heart rhythm disturbances. This video shows this incredible breakthrough. 



Monies raised by Walkers go to fund the hospital’s greatest needs, including the care of patients who cannot afford treatment AND it is a tax write-off!


2. Go “backstage”at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
For Disney fans, going “backstage” is can be a dream come true. The CHOC Walk route gives Walkers a rare glimpse into what goes on behind the fun and fantasy of the Disneyland Resort.


3. Earn prizes!
Walkers who raise money for the CHOC Walk are eligible to earn prizes for their fundraising efforts. The more they raise, the more prizes they earn! Prizes vary from milkshakes at Chik-fil-a to Disneyland tickets and Vera Bradley bags! Learn more about the prizes by clicking here.


4. Get photos with characters and see parade floats up-close.
One of the great things about the CHOC Walk is that even though it takes place before Disneyland and Disney California Adventure open (the Walk starts at 6:30a.m. and does not include regular park admission for when the parks open), Walkers still get an authentic Disneyland Resort experience complete with characters and parade floats on the parade route! 


5. You can purchase discounted Disneyland tickets.
For many people, one of the most attractive parts of the CHOC Walk is the ability to purchase discounted admission tickets. If you are considering going to Disneyland, this is a great way to get discounted tickets–even if it means you are making a tax deductible donation to CHOC in order to be eligible to purchase the tickets!

Sunday only Walker can present their CHOC “Walk In the Park” wristbands at a Disneyland Ticket Booth to purchase a special CHOC-Tober Disneyland Resort 1-Day Park Hopper ticket for $78 or a 1-Day 1-Park Ticket for $50 for use on Sunday or another trip to the Resort. A maximum of five tickets may be purchased per wristband and the tickets must be used by 11/7/2014.


6. You’ll never experience anything like it anywhere else.
I have walked as a Walker in the CHOC Walk twice and I can honestly tell you it is a life-changing experience. To see all of the grateful families–some who have triumphed over illness and some who walk in remembrance is truly one of the most moving experiences I have ever had. I created this video back at my first CHOC Walk and I think it really captures the essence of the Walk and how people feel about the amazing care provided at CHOC Children’s. Plus, it is the ONLY charity walk that goes through the Disneyland Resort!



If you are thinking about walking this year, you can walk on your own, with your family and friends or join a team. Although we won’t have a Babes In Disneyland team this year, if you are looking for a Disneyland-fan team to join (and have a great morning with), I highly recommend Team DAPs Magic or Team MousePlanet.


Can’t participate in the Walk, but want to contribute to CHOC? My husband Will is walking in the Walk for the first time and you can sponsor him! Click here to donate! Every dollar helps.