E-Ticket Trash Cans

What makes a Disney park feel so magical? Some would say it’s the thrilling attractions, like Space Mountain, that deliver the big, unforgettable moments. But if you ask any longtime Disney fan, they’ll tell you the magic is just as much in the details—the perfectly themed trash cans, the carefully curated background music, the way every little element is designed to enhance the experience.

You may not realize it, but relationships work the same way.

It’s easy to focus on the “Space Mountain moments”—the grand gestures, anniversary surprises, or extravagant date nights. Those are important, but lasting love isn’t built on Space Mountain alone. It’s built on the everyday kindnesses, the small, consistent efforts that make your partner feel seen, appreciated, and loved. The thoughtful texts. The cup of coffee made just the way they like it. The way you listen when they’ve had a tough day. The warm embrace after a long, exhausting week. The little check-ins, the inside jokes, the subtle ways you show you care.

This idea isn’t mine and Lyndsey’s—we first heard it from relationship coach Matthew Hussey, and it immediately resonated with us. Especially because Lyndsey and I fight all the time over which Space Mountain is better. She swears by Walt Disney World’s version, while I’m firmly in the Disneyland camp. It’s our biggest marital argument! (For the record, Disneyland’s smoother track and original charm win, but she’ll never admit it.)

But even that debate is a small example of the details that make our relationship uniquely ours. We tease each other, we laugh, we make silly bets over things that ultimately don’t matter—but in doing so, we strengthen the foundation of our love.

And speaking of grand gestures, we just celebrated Valentine’s Day—a perfect Space Mountain moment. The flowers, the fancy dinner, the heartfelt cards—it was a special, magical day, the kind that belongs in the highlight reel of our relationship. But love isn’t just about the highlights. Now, it’s time to get to work on the trash cans, the little details that keep our relationship strong day after day.

After all, if everything is an E-ticket, then nothing is an E-ticket. Think about that for just a moment….

Walt Disney understood that excellence wasn’t just about the big things; it was about caring for every detail, ensuring that even the smallest elements contributed to the magic. The same is true in relationships. Love isn’t just about the big, cinematic moments—it’s about the daily commitment, the quiet sacrifices, and the intentional choices to show up for each other in ways big and small.

Lyndsey and I are writing our upcoming book, Nothing Can Stop Us Now, to share the lessons we’ve learned (and are still learning) about relationships—through both our own journey and the wisdom of Walt Disney. We believe love is built in the details, and we can’t wait to share more of our insights with you soon, including some of our early struggles around this very topic.

And we’d love to include you in this journey! What are the little “trash can” moments in your relationship—the small, meaningful acts that make all the difference? Hit reply and share your story with us! We may even feature some of your submissions in our book as a way to celebrate the beauty of everyday love.

Until then, take a moment to reflect on your own relationship. Are you making time for the grand adventures, the thrilling rides, the Space Mountain moments? But just as importantly—are you tending to the themed trash cans? The everyday gestures, the small acts of love, the quiet consistency that makes a relationship truly magical?

We’d love to hear your thoughts—hit reply and let us know what small details make your relationship magical!