All About Fish Extenders
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We sailed on our first Disney Cruise several years ago and quickly noticed many doors filled with fun stuff like magnets and decorations, but also these very odd looking things which were hanging from a fish outside the cabin door. It was like a curtain, but with pouches filled with gifts!
At first we had no idea what was that all about, maybe families or friends cruising together having a little bit of fun was the first thought that ran through my mind. it wasn’t until much later that we learned about the Fish Extender program. Thankfully we had the opportunity to go on a Disney Cruise once again, and we wouldn’t be missing out on extra magic this time. We dug deep online and found blog posts such as this one, to navigate how to join our upcoming cruise’s Fish Extenders.
So, before we get into the how…
What is a Fish Extender?
Also called a FE, a fish extender is a gift you give another cabin. You voluntarily participate in this fun Disney cruise tradition. Each group has anywhere between four, or up to ten cabins, which means you could have up to 40 people in your group. Someone in your cruise will volunteer to organize the whole thing (how do you find out who is doing it, go to the “Where do I sign up section below!), you will provide some information such as your cabin number, names, ages and favorite Disney characters. The great thing about FE gifts is that you can do whatever you want. You can give each person one gift or three, or you might decide to get a bigger gift that benefits the whole cabin! (Still confused? I get it, but keep reading, I’ll offer some examples below.)
How do I sign up?
Once you have booked your cruise, search Facebook for your cruise name and date and request to join. Once in, you will most likely find someone who is already putting it all together, if not, ask around and someone should be able to point you in there right direction.
You’ve signed up, now you may be wondering
Where do I find a Fish Extender?
Disney Cruise Line does not sell or provide fish extenders, so this is something you will want to pack with you . Many guests purchase them on sites like Amazon or Etsy where there is a myriad of options available. You can purchase blank pouches and personalize them, or buy them with each person’s name on their respective pouch. You’ll find some examples on our Fish Extender Link on our website!
Ok, you found your fish extender, the next question you’ll probably ask yourself is…
What do I give to other cruise passengers in their fish extenders?
The options for your gifts are endless! Many people like to create homemade gifts, while others prefer to purchase ready made items. A quick Google or Etsy search can quickly turn into hours of fun looking for ideas. Usually, a ballpark amount spent is a few dollars to $15 per person. Ask your Fish Extender organizer for specific guidelines. Most cruisers prefer smaller items as they must be packed to take home.
Do you need a few fun ideas to get you started? I’ll leave some below, but You’ll find A LOT of ideas on our Fish Extender Page or in our Store.
You got your gifts packed and ready to go, which brings us to the last step…
What do I do once on board?
Some time before you board, he coordinator of your fish extender group will give a list of the passengers and their cabins you’ll be exchanging with. Once you’re onboard, you can drop off your gifts in the fish extenders at the cabins of everyone in your exchange. You’ll also notice gifts inside your own Fish Extender, making the experience, oh so magical!