Disney dreams will come true after all for four Northwest Indiana families whose Make-A-Wish trips seemed doomed after ATA flight cutbacks.

Make-A-Wish Foundation in Indianapolis had planned to fly 36 families of children with life-threatening illnesses to Disney World. Only 10 made the flights before ATA had to scroll back favors for budget reasons.

But Northwest Airlines pooled unused frequent flyer miles and donated tickets for 11 of the 26 remaining Make-A-Wish families.

“Four families from Lake County will be flying to Florida in the next 45 days,” said Make-A-Wish spokesman Matt Ferch. “Northwest has come forward to pick up a portion of the flights for free. We are still working with both ATA and Northwest to receive frequent flyer miles and ticket vouchers for the others. Recently, some people have given monetary donations to help.”

ATA remains a partner with Make-A-Wish, which praised the airline for its past efforts.

“ATA has been so amazing and generous to Make-A-Wish by not only donating so many free flights over the years, but also by making our wish families feel like royalty,” said Joni Thompson, executive director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Indiana.