Traveling Through Cancer: How One Family Found Magic and Healing at Walt Disney World
When a breast cancer diagnosis upended her world, Dawn Niebling didn’t just fight for her health—she fought to keep the magic in her family’s life, even as it meant planning a Walt Disney World vacation in the midst of treatment. Here, we expand upon her candid, heartfelt conversation with Amanda Bauner on Episode 167 of Me and the Magic.
Facing Cancer with Determination (and a Little Pixie Dust)
Dawn Niebling’s breast cancer diagnosis in early 2024 rocked her family — and her pattern of planning magical family vacations. At age 43, Dawn was trying to prioritize her health in the new year. After routine doctors’ visits and a mammogram, she received a life-altering diagnosis: invasive carcinoma that had already begun to spread.
What followed was an exhausting and relentless treatment plan, including chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and ongoing immunotherapy. Yet through every appointment, infection, and unwanted surprise, Dawn’s positivity never faltered. “The only thing you could do was laugh. Or you would cry,” Dawn shared, demonstrating that a positive outlook—plus dreams of future travels—helped keep her afloat.
Finding Purpose and Strength in Travel
For Dawn, the idea of travel wasn’t merely about escape. It was lifeblood. “I have the travel bug, and without my travel bug, I just can’t survive,” she explains. Even as her body struggled, her spirit insisted on forward momentum, and she confessed that planning a Disney trip gave her hope and something to look forward to.
Cancelling trips for treatment was emotionally taxing, so rather than continually postponing, Dawn decided to move her Walt Disney World vacation up. Her doctors and family were initially surprised but ultimately supportive. Dawn’s tenacity shines through: “I was very sick, but I did not care. I was hell-bent.” For her, the goal wasn’t merely a park day; it was a declaration: cancer hadn’t stolen her joy, nor her family’s.
Vacationing Differently: Realities and Adaptations
Navigating Walt Disney World as a cancer patient came with significant challenges. Dawn faced fatigue, pain, and required time for healing post-radiation. She organized her days to balance her own limitations and her family’s enjoyment. She continued her tradition of “go big” Disney days — rope-dropping parks and squeezing the most from every moment — but added more rest, relied on quick service meals, and took advantage of wheelchair rentals as needed.
Dawn’s family, particularly her children (ages 10 and 12), adapted beautifully. Dawn’s approach — open conversations and honest expectations — meant everyone pitched in. “I was trying very hard not to traumatize my kids,” she shared. Her son enjoyed pushing the wheelchair, her daughter became her “nurse” for bandages, and they learned that sometimes the magic isn’t in maximizing ride counts, but in being together and accepting flexibility.
Challenges with Accessibility and Support
One sobering lesson was discovering changes to Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS). Despite active treatment, Dawn was denied DAS under the new restrictions, as Disney has tightened access to guests with both physical limitations and neurological disabilities. The result: significant extra costs for Lightning Lane passes and even polite but pointed advocacy, including a letter Dawn wrote to Disney leadership.
Yet, the kindness of Cast Members and the power of the Disney community provided unexpected magic. “Ask,” Dawn encourages others facing similar struggles, noting that being visible and honest about her circumstances led to small but meaningful accommodations.
The Power of Magical Moments and Community
Not every moment was easy — physically and emotionally, the trip was taxing. Yet magic appeared at unexpected turns. Meeting Chewbacca brought an emotional release Dawn hadn’t anticipated, as did the goodwill of Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort staff, who surprised her at the hotel with gifts and a heartfelt note acknowledging her courage.
Dawn’s advice after this extraordinary trip? Don’t wait for “the perfect time” — just go, if you can. “If you want to spend time with your friends, if you want to spend time with your family, just roll with it and… be happy.”
Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Need Help
Perhaps most poignant was Dawn’s reflection on needing a support system. Solo travel during active treatment wasn’t feasible — her doctors insisted she have a “plus one.” Whether family or friends, community was as essential as any medication. With the help of those she loved — and a little bit of Disney magic — her family created healing memories to cherish forever.
If you or a loved one are traveling through treatment, take Dawn’s story to heart: with flexibility, support, and an openness to finding joy in unexpected places, magical moments can happen, whatever life brings.
Connect with Dawn
Connect with Dawn at da*******@***oo.com, online on Facebook, or in the Me and the Magic community.
