CHOC Walk Advice?

[Mrs. Whoever]

Due to school fall break, the first weekend of our October trip coincides with both CHOC Walk and Columbus day. We were initially trying to plan around avoiding the parks at the busiest times those days by doing character dining and having some extended pool time.

Then it occurred to us that we might actually embrace the CHOC Walk as a unique experience: get the kids involved in the fundraising, get up early and see the parks in a different way. Then, once we've gotten our park fix, hide at the hotel for the rest of the day avoiding some of the crowds.

For those of you that have done the walk, did you register your group (there will only be 5 of us) as a team or individuals?

Also, we'll already be onsite, so we don't have to worry about parking. What time should we plan to queue up in the esplanade?

We'll be two adults, a very active nearly nine year old, a lethargic 6 year old and an almost 3 year old. I was planning to mount the kid rider board on the back of the jogging stroller to contain the smallest two. Then I saw pictures from last year's walk and saw all of the characters that were out during the walk. Would you skip the stroller altogether?

 

[SMD]

I've done the walk, so I can offer some advice there. I walked for an existing team. You might want to check, if the company you work for has an office in OC they may already have a team or you may know someone who walks for an existing team. There are people using strollers and wagons, but it's so crowded you really have to be careful. I don't think a child standing on a board would be safe, it was shoulder to shoulder for about half of the Disneyland portion. This is definitely a walk with a slow pace that a 6 year old could do. A 3 year old probably could too but it might be better to have an umbrella stroller or carry them on shoulders for part of the way. Get there early, like 30-45 minutes before the start time. Many teams meet up in DTD to distribute wristbands and shirts. You have to push through crowds to get to the start line. There's an announcer and a small pre-start wave from characters and a confetti cannon. It's crowded at first, but the character lines can build up, so if you'll want to stop for those you'll want to be near the front when it starts so you won't have to hurry at the end with the time limit. Even with the lines and the time limit it is not as fast paced and the waits aren't as long as a runDisney event. I was so glad I got character pics at CHOC Walk when I saw the lines at a 5K the next year. You can also use your wristband to buy discounted 1 day park tickets, so that could be a way to add a 6th day if you're looking to do that.

 

[Imdboss]

I don't have any advice about the walk itself but have been numerous times over that weekend including last year so if I can answer any questions let me know!

 

[DharmaLou]

Just beware if you plan on spending any time at the parks that day - they will be insanely crowded. We went that day 2 years ago and barely got anything done because of the crowds. It was miserable. And we've gone Thanksgiving week twice, so we've seen crowds. This was far worse.

 

[whoever]

Just beware if you plan on spending any time at the parks that day - they will be insanely crowded. We went that day 2 years ago and barely got anything done because of the crowds. It was miserable. And we've gone Thanksgiving week twice, so we've seen crowds. This was far worse.

We are going to do a 1/2 day cabana that day so not much park time.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

When you go to the CHOC Walk 2015 registration page, there is a list of existing teams that you can join if you want to do so. You can walk with the DL Annual Passholders Team or there are teams for the various fan boards (e.g. Team MousePlanet). We find walking with a team a very fun experience vs. walking solo. We've gotten to meet many posters and have even bumped into each other in the parks now that we can recognize each other. Also, your team captain can answer any questions you have about logistics and preparing for the walk.

 

[Mysteryincorp]

We did it last year with my then 4 year old.
We lined up in the esplanade about an hour before, but really didn't need to. Unless you want to be way up front for the starting ceremony ,it's really not necessary.
We were at the fire station when the walk officially started, some of our team rolled up 10 minutes before and it was no big deal. We had very minimal waits for all the character meets and they were great!!!!!! All the princesses around the carousel, Tink Captain Hook, Peter Pan and the Pirates all around the float from the parade. It was so much fun! The park is beautiful really early in the morning.
We walked as part of the AP team last year but are creating our own team this year, in honor of a sick child we all know.
My four year old got in the stroller during the chaotic parts of the walk,Mainly when they squeezed us through frontier land, otherwise she walked almost the entire time.
We were all exhausted and HUNGRY after the walk and wait times for food in DTD were insane. Those of us that had valid passes popped into Disneyland and ate at the jolly holiday but everybody else was out of luck. This year we are making breakfast reservations!
It was really really fun and I see our family doing it for many years to come.
The park was a nightmare after the walk and we left after a quick ride or two.

 

[Mrs. Whoever]

Thanks for all the great info! We've joined the AP team! Which is really exciting for me, since I'll actually be getting an AP for this trip.

Breakfast reservations are such a great suggestion. I'm sure the kiddos will be starving.

The heaviest crowds I've experienced were on Dapper Day as our trips have typically been at quieter times. I'm really not much of a crowd person, so avoiding the parks that afternoon is a must. Hopefully the cabana rental for that afternoon pans out.

 

[pigletliz]

The last time I participated, it was super crowded. Definitely make breakfast reservations. What a great way to have your kids participate in fundraising! Have a great time!