On Wednesday, 17, 2025, the CHOC Minnie Walk took place on the second floor of the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. This special walk provides a special day for patients of CHOC and their families who could not attend the CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland Resort in August. The day was filled with happy moments, smiles, hugs, positivity, and Disney magic as young participants and their families made their way around the booths where they were given special gifts. They also had the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck. If that wasn’t enough, there were also craft stations to have some fun being creative.
The Minnie Walk Experience
The magic began the moment the floor was entered. There, participants were greeted with the joy and vibrancy of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration decorations, bags, and a plush Minnie Mouse. These were distributed as the patients made their way to experience the Minnie Walk. Then, as they walked around the floor, they found themselves experiencing special moments, being given a variety of gifts, and eventually meeting some Disney friends! As they finished the loop, Disney VoluntEARS were giving away the make-your-own headbands. These were also themed to Disneyland’s 70th celebration. Disney Ambassadors for the Disneyland Resort Jada Young and Raul Aquino Rojas, the 2025 CHOC Walk in the Park Ambassador Belle Wuich, and other Disney VoluntEARS, CHOC team members, and volunteers at the various booths.
These were all of the things that were set up and programmed. However, the people are what can’t be programmed. The second floor at CHOC was packed full of acts of kindness. As children made their way around the corner and into the Minnie Walk, their faces immediately lit up! Some would wave at the characters, and others immediately focused on some of the giveaways. Still others found themselves drawn to the crafts tables. These first moments were followed by moments where people’s hearts could be seen radiating throughout the room. As people interacted with these young patients, the love could be seen coming through each interaction. With each interaction, the world was a little bit better than it was before. With each new patient that arrived, another opportune moment was presented for another act of kindness and another step towards a better world.
Magical Moments
A couple of magical moments stand out from this event as I reflect on it. At the crafts table, the Disneyland Ambassadors were spending time drawing and chatting with young ones. On one end of the table, Raul could be seen having a wonderful conversation with a family. At the other end, Jada was coloring with a little girl watching. Jada invited the little one to join in coloring and soon found Mickey Mouse getting a purple boot. The grace and kindness these two Disneyland Ambassadors displayed showed the power of kindness and the magic of the thousands of Disneyland Resort cast members they represent. Another young patient rolled in on his wheelchair. I looked over as he was rolling up to a booth. He turned to me and gave me a big smile. I soon found myself beaming back as I realized he wasn’t just smiling at me. He also had Kermit the Frog in his lap, who was waving back at me! And let me just say, he was a good little future Muppet performer! Over at the CHOC Walk table, CHOC Walk Ambassador Belle was lighting up the room as she shared CHOC merchandise with attendees. Then, there were the countless moments with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy. There were little games, big hugs, twirls, and huge eyes as these characters brought Disney magic to the floor.
The Minnie Walk is an absolutely beautiful event. It shows the good in the world. It shows that care is much more than care. What I mean by that is the kindness that is displayed goes so far beyond the medical care that is given at CHOC. This care makes such a difference for the young patients and their families. The power of kindness is something that is often overlooked and underestimated. Just a few minutes at the Minnie Walk is a testament to what can happen when people come together with kindness to do something good.
The Magic Beyond Minnie Walk
It is difficult to characterize what the Minnie Walk is like. Looking around the room, there are so many kids who are facing incredible struggles. However, despite these struggles, the room is filled with joy. This is what CHOC and the partnership it has with the Disneyland Resort creates. This is a place where kids aren’t just patients; they are children who can play, giggle, and even hug Mickey Mouse! Even when the Minnie Walk isn’t happening, there are still magical moments to be had with the Turtle Talk with Crush on the second floor, occasional visits from Disney characters, and other special experiences that can be had.
Walking For a Better World
This year’s Minnie Walk marks the end of the CHOC Walk festivities for 2025. It is also a wonderful reminder of how important it is to support CHOC, the CHOC Walk, and the Minnie Walk. At this point, the date for the 2026 CHOC Walk in the Park isn’t known. What is known is that there are plenty of patients at CHOC who will need our support next year when it is announced. We hope that you will consider supporting CHOC and joining Team Daps Magic next year for the CHOC Walk in the Park! This isn’t just about walking through Disneyland Resort before the parks open. It isn’t just about seeing Disney characters and having fun together. It is about coming together to make a difference and using our time, money, and energy to help create a better world that is kinder, more positive, and takes care of the children who are struggling and need a place like CHOC. Every dollar donated and walker who joins this effort is a step closer to that world. Both the CHOC Walk and the Minnie Walk are important reminders of that. We hope you will join us when the time comes.
