American Airlines opened its arms to children with serious illness Friday and sent 31 of them to Disney World. It was their 13th annual WishFlight.

NewsChannel 8's Kim Jackson went behind the security checkpoint to see what a magical difference people can make.

Once a year, American Airlines decorates one of its gates to look like Disney World and they give away tickets, sending children on the trip of a lifetime.

Ethan has a wish to see Peter Pan. It's coming true and it's bringing tears to his mother's eyes.

"He has just gone through so much," says Amy Starkweather. "This is magical for him."

He's getting his wish thanks to American Airlines and the Make A Wish Foundation.

The theme was pirates and princesses, complete with cake and a crew of pirates. This pirate has battled Prader Willi syndrome, which makes his muscles weak.

"Instead of normal soccer games and practices and things like that, we do a lot of therapy. Kitchen is locked up."

Locked because the illness makes Ethan want to eat all the time.

The family will relax for the next seven days. That's what the Make A Wish Foundation does for children with life-threatening illnesses.

"Just brings them joy in a difficult time and gives them something to look forward to," says Kimberly Deardorff. "Just makes their lives better."

Teachers, therapists, family and all came wish the pirate bon voyage. His seat was waiting and he was the last passenger to board. His mission? Conquer Disney World, see Peter Pan and dance with Cinderella.

Dozens of volunteers spent hours decorating the terminal gate. Without them, this would not have been possible.

The 31 children came from all over the United States. They will all stay at the Give Kids the World Village. They'll have all the fun Orlando has to offer. And, 24-hour medical care is available.