A time-honored relationship over 60 years old, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and Disneyland Resort have an extensive history dating back to the 1960s when Walt Disney served on the hospital’s founding board. Walt was passionate about having a children’s hospital in the local community surrounding Disneyland park, with the goal of uplifting and empowering children facing critical illnesses.
Together, Disneyland Resort and CHOC bring happiness to patients and families, providing comfort and moments of joy to families facing challenging circumstances. The powerful connection between CHOC and Disney continues to grow with the recent return of character inpatient room visits and the hospital’s beloved annual fundraiser, CHOC Walk in the Park at Disneyland Resort.
Six decades of making magic
Disney has been a critical part of CHOC’s story from the very beginning. Dating back to 1960, Walt Disney’s devotion to the community was shared with fellow visionary Walter Knott, the founder of Knott’s Berry Farm, along with a small group of leaders and pediatricians who secured the necessary funding to build the hospital. In 1964, this unifying vision was brought to life when the hospital first opened its doors, providing dedicated care to patients and their families ever since.
But Disney’s support of the hospital didn’t stop there. Famed Disneyland artist, Bob Moore, designed the very first version of CHOC’s mascot, Choco, a lovable brown bear that dons a bandage and bright red heart on their chest. Choco greeted patients on the hospital’s opening day and continues to provide joy and comfort to patients, staff and families at CHOC.
Donald Duck creates joyful memories with a patient at CHOC.
Disney’s ongoing support for CHOC
The Walt Disney Company continues to provide support for CHOC through a variety of events throughout the year. In 2012, Walt Disney Imagineering created a child-friendly, second-floor lobby for patients with colorful artwork and engaging character displays. The lobby is also home to the interactive “Turtle Talk with Crush” show, inspired by the family-friendly experience at Disney California Adventure park.
It is estimated that since the hospital opened, Disney has contributed over $50 million dollars to CHOC through in-kind and monetary support, and its cast members have provided thousands of hours through Disney VoluntEARS to support events at the hospital like the Minnie Walk Summer Beach Bash, character visits and holiday parties. Beloved inpatient room character visits at CHOC bring a special touch of magic from Disneyland Resort to patients and their families.
“When Disney comes to visit CHOC, Disney’s magic isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a beacon of hope, joy and wonder that transforms moments into cherished memories for patients and families alike,” said Eric Mammen, creative arts supervisor, Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Department at CHOC. “We are so grateful for the opportunity for our patients and families to experience these moments provided by Disney characters and cast members.”
The history of CHOC Walk in the Park
Every year, CHOC Walk in the Park brings the community together for a morning of magic, wellness and inspiration at Disneyland Resort. Together, participants in this annual event make a difference by fundraising for children’s health and wellbeing in Southern California and beyond!
Rain or shine, inspired walkers and community members gather at Disneyland Resort to take part in the 5K route that travels through both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in the early morning before the resort opens – while raising funds one step at a time to support the hospital’s vital programs and research.
Disneyland Resort President, Ken Potrock, Disney Ambassadors of Disneyland Resort, Raul Aquino Rojas and Jada Young, join City of Anaheim officials and CHOC Supporters at the 2024 CHOC Walk in the Park.
Since the annual fundraiser started in 1990, CHOC Walk has raised more than $45 million to support the hospital’s mission to nurture, advance and protect the health and wellbeing of children. Continued support from Disneyland Resort has played an important role in making CHOC Walk one of the hospital’s largest annual fundraising events for over 30 years. Today, it remains a favorite destination event among Southern California residents and beyond.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse share smiles with a CHOC patient.
A legacy of support for kids and families
The longstanding relationship between Disneyland Resort and CHOC has positively impacted the lives of patients and their families for over 60 years. Whether patients visit Disneyland Resort for CHOC Walk in the Park, participate in “Turtle Talk with Crush” or encounter a surprise visit from Disney characters during a stay at the hospital, Disney aims to deliver joy to patients and families at CHOC — and it’s just getting started.
In 2018, Disney announced a global commitment of $100 million to help reimagine the patient experience in children’s hospitals and pediatric places of care. Teams across the company, including Walt Disney Imagineering, worked with a network of experts to identify unique experiences Disney could provide to ease the fear and anxiety of a hospital stay. Since 2018, the company has supported more than 1,300 children’s hospitals and pediatric places of care in 45 countries with Disney content, experiences and products.
For more on Disney’s work in children’s hospitals around the world, visit Joy.Disney.com.