There we are, never finding the on-ride camera.
At some point, we realized we ride Pirates of the Caribbean first every time we go on vacation.
We hadn’t formally established this. We hadn’t planned on it. There was no household vote. We aren’t Johnny Depp nuts, or anything…
We just kept doing it. Until “let’s ride Pirates” became “well, obviously we’re riding Pirates first.”
We stumbled into a tradition.
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Theme park traditions are funny things. Someone’s whole vacation might hinge on a particular snack, a familiar boat ride, or waiting in line to meet an obscure character in a once-in-a-lifetime costume.
These things rarely make sense in a spreadsheet. Ask someone why they matter, and “financial sense” probably isn’t their answer.
Maybe it’s the ride they always did with their dad. The treat their mom bought them that one time. The first thing that made them feel like they were somewhere magical.
So, never scoff at your partner’s tradition.
That hour in line to meet Tigger in his Christmas costume might mean more to them than three additional attractions ever could. Sometimes you move your own must-do to make room for theirs. And maybe that’s suddenly a new tradition.
Because traditions also change. You return older. You return with different people. You suddenly see something for the first time that was always there before. Or you notice how something you always loved has changed — sometimes because you’ve experienced it so many times.
That’s what makes a tradition so good: you enjoy it today, and it brings a little of every previous visit along with it.
Pirates is always “Pirates.” The boat’s just filled up with years of our memories.
Field Assignment #003: Make Room for the Must-Do
Before your next trip, ask each person:
What’s one thing you always want to do each trip?
Why does it matter to you?
Then make room for it. Give it your attention. Get in the line. And maybe you’ll make a new tradition for yourself.
What’s your park tradition and how did it start?
Hit reply. We’d love to hear the story.
Stay curious — and seated,
Emily & Nathan
“Thanks for reading!” — Emily & Nathan