How to restore an ipad that's in airplane mode?

Device: Ipad Mini

iOS: 7 (possibly updated to 8.4)

Memory: 16GB

WiFi but no Cellular

Problem: "IPad is disabled and in Airplane mode"

My son has locked himself out of his iPad and cannot remember the password. At this point, a password will not be of any help. The lock screen displays the time, date, battery percentage and the following message: "IPad is Disabled connect to iTunes." I have gone through the following process multiple times:

-Turn off IPad

-Connect USB to Computer

-Hold down home screen button until the screen displays an image of a USB, upwards arrow and the iTunes logo

iTunes then asks if I want to update or restore the IPad. When I choose update, this is what happens:

-iTunes detects something wrong with iPad and asks if I want to update

-I choose update and a software update begins

-I then have to select "Next" and agree to some terms and conditions

-A little while into the download process and the connection between the iPad and the computer is lost, however iTunes still appears to be downloading the software

This whole incident began while on a flight when my son put his IPad on Airplane mode. (He did not realize this was unnecessary) After putting the iPad on Airplane mode he changed the password. The airplane icon is still there. I am certain that this airplane mode is the reason why we cannot update his iPad. I have called tech support and they left me with no options but to completely wipe the device. I really don't want to do this because none of his content is backed up to iCloud. Even though the screen on the iPad tells me to connect to iTunes, iTunes is now telling me that it cannot connect to this iphone (yes, iphone) due to an unknown error. After I click ok, it tells me there is a problem with the ipad that may be fixed with an update (which will preserve all my content) or a restoration (which will delete all my content). Once again there is content on this iPad that if possible, we would really like to save. One last thing, it says that if you backed up this iPad to a computer or iCloud, you'll be prompted to restore the backup onto the iPad; however, when I click restore it tells me that all of my media and other data will be erased and the newest version of the iPad software will be installed. I have been through this before (minus the airplane mode) and had to factory reset this same iPad. I was under the impression that it had already been synced with the computer I am using now, albeit that was before the content we want to save was added. Is there anything we can do? Thanks in advance to anyone who has any insight into this problem.

Sidebar: The wallpaper is completely blurred and it was not always like this even after getting locked out.