Once a year, a very special plane ride takes off out of Mercer County and heads straight to the Happiest Place on Earth.

“Operation Dreamlift” has been making the dream of visiting Disney World a reality for chronically ill, seriously ill, challenged and abused children for more than 20 years.

Behind the operation is the Mercer County chapter of the Sunshine Foundation. The one-day trip, which takes place on Tuesday this year, is a welcomed break from the treatments and hospital stays that the children and their families go through on a daily basis.

“They forget about their problems today, and they’re going to have a great day with Mickey and Minnie,” Cathy DiCostanzo, president of the Mercer County Sunshine Foundation chapter. “And that’s what it’s all about and keeps us coming back.”

The children and their families will take off from the Trenton-Mercer Airport Tuesday morning and return around 10 p.m.