On August 2, 2026, before the sun had risen, thousands of supporters of Rady Children’s Hospital Orange County (formerly Children’s Hospital Orange County) began to arrive at The Happiest Place on Earth! They woke up in the middle of the night (or didn’t go to sleep) to show their support and gratitude for this hospital, which has impacted so many people in the region. It is often said that in Orange County, everybody knows somebody who RCHOC has impacted. Many of those people who had a story about RCHOC, or knew someone with a story, arrived well before the parks opened for the 2026 CHOC Walk in the Park.

The Daps Magic team was on hand for this very special event. The opening ceremony, which took place at 5:15 AM on Main Street, USA at Disneyland, was hosted by Disneyland Ambassadors. Throughout the ceremony, they were joined by Disneyland President Jill Estorino, Rady Children’s Health President and CEO Kimberly Chavalas Cripe, and the 2026 CHOC Walk Ambassadors, the Ankeny family.

The annual event highlights the long-standing partnership between Disneyland Resort and now Rady Children’s Health Orange County. Jill Estorino shared about this connection saying, “Disneyland is about joy, happiness, and actually making connections. We have had a connection for many, many years.”

Kim Cripe added to these thoughts, stating, “I feel so joyful seeing so many of our patients and families. This is one big family, and we’re truly united in serving children and providing hope, health, and healing for them.”

Jamie Ankeny shared about her own family’s journey with CHOC in a heartful moment saying, “Having watched our son Carter go through cancer treatment at CHOC, we know firsthand that magic takes place at CHOC every single day. By participating today, you are helping fund that magic for countless children and families.”

Below is a video of this very special start of the day before the sun rose at Disneyland.

2026 CHOC Walk in the Park Opening Ceremony (Multi-Cam)

The 2026 CHOC Walk in the Park this year started on Main Street, USA, and wound its way through Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and ultimately ended in Downtown Disney District at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. At this point, it isn’t known how many people walked or how much was raised. If and when that information becomes available, Daps Magic will share it. In the coming days, Daps Magic will be sharing more specifics about this year’s CHOC Walk!

If you were unable to attend this year’s CHOC Walk in the Park but would still like to contribute. Please visit CHOCWalk.org/DapsMagic and help Team Daps Magic as we continue to work to raise funds for this year’s CHOC Walk throughout August! Together, we can make a difference for the children who receive care from this hospital. This is a very important cause that makes an incredible difference to the families who receive care from RCHOC. One of the perks of the CHOC Walk is getting to meet families who have received care from this hospital and share their stories. It really is an incredible experience.

What do you think of this year’s CHOC Walk opening ceremony? Did you participate in this year’s walk? If not, are you going to next year? We would love to have you join Team Daps Magic! Please share what you love most about CHOC Walk in the comments below! Then, keep your eyes on Daps Magic in the coming days for more coverage, including photos, videos, and more information about this year’s CHOC Walk!