If you have a Disney Cruise planned or in mind, there’s a chance you may have heard of Fish Extenders…. or… you could be like me, and had been in the travel business over a year before you even had a clue what this was!

Fish extenders began years ago on a Panama Canal sailing on the Disney Magic, when a group of people who had met on a chat board decided it would be fun to have a gift exchange during their sailing. From then, they took off, and have now become one of the most fun parts of a Disney Cruise!

Outside every Disney Cruise Line stateroom is some kind of fish (this varies by location on the ship) that is used for Disney to share communication with you (ie, excursion tickets, receipts, etc.) Think of it as your onboard mailbox if you will. A Fish Extender is something that passengers hang from the fish, allowing it to become a place for other passengers to deliver gifts throughout the cruise. Kids find this especially fascinating, as I know my own children LOVE running to our door to see if we’ve received any presents while we’ve been away.

The Basics

  1. What Can I Use as a Fish Extender?
    Most Fish Extenders have one pocket for each person in their stateroom. Do a search on Etsy, Amazon or Pinterest, and you’ll be overwhelmed with options! Some people will go all out with Fish Extenders that are personalized, holiday oriented, etc. and others will take the more simplistic route and use organizers found at an office supply or Dollar Tree. Disney Cruise Line also offers their own Fish Extender you can purchase from their in-room gifts and shopping website.Examples of Fish Extenders:
    Amazon Fish ExtenderAdditional Amazon Fish Extender OptionEtsy Fish Extender
  2. How Do I Participate in the Exchange?
    You can sign up to be in a Fish Extender Group by searching Facebook for your sailing (try entering your ship and sail date, example: Disney Dream, December 28, 2019), or by joining a group via DISBoards. Please note that these groups are not run by Disney Cruise Line. After signing up, you’ll typically be sent an excel sheet that pairs you with 5-15 other staterooms, and provides some demographic information for the gifts (sex, age, favorite character, stateroom number, etc)
  3. What Do I Buy or Give in the Exchange?
    This part is up to you! You can be as simple or as extravagant as you wish! We’ve received items ranging from candy to playing cards, personalized tote bags and t-shirts to Christmas ornaments and more! Don’t stress too much over the gifts, and keep in mind that it’s the thought behind it, and the surprise element that make it so much fun! DO keep in mind that many people are arriving via air, and will need to be able to transport gifts back home! The average amount people spend on each cabin is around $10. Again, a quick Pinterest or Etsy search will provide a plethora of ideas!
  4. When Does the Fish Extender Exchange Take Place?
    You can exchange your gifts anytime during your cruise! If your gifts are specific to a certain day of sailing (ie, Pirate Night) then make sure you plan accordingly and deliver them ahead of time.

    Added Tips & Advice

    1. Stay Organized
      Being in a Fish Extender Group can get expensive and time consuming…but only if you allow it! Try not to get too carried away, and make sure you stay organized well in advance. It’s a great idea to tag your gifts so that recipients know they’re from you, and to organize your gifts by location (aft, middle forward).
    2. Stay Active in your Facebook Sailing Group
      Not only is this a great way to meet new “friends” before you depart, it’s a great resource for information and ideas! Especially if you’re a first-time Disney Cruiser, this group will be a wonderful asset in answering questions and helping make your vacation more fun!
    3. Don’t forget to decorate your door!
      Even if the Fish Extender Groups seem like a bit much, don’t forget to decorate your door!!!! This is a HUGE part of Disney Cruises, and is a really fun way for the kids (and adults) to get excited about their upcoming sailing! We’ve done holiday themed magnets, magnets we’ve collected from Fish Extender Exchanges and more! SO fun!
    4. Does this exchange sound super fun to you, but you don’t have a Disney Cruise booked? Then contact us today! We’re also happy to help give ideas on what to give, where to buy fish extender items and more after your booking is made!

We’d LOVE to know… have you received or created any super incredible fish extender gifts for your Disney Cruise? Have an Etsy shop that makes gifts? If so, let us know by commenting below!