If you have started planning your Disney Cruise, you have probably come across the term Fish Extender and wondered what in the world it means. It is not an official Disney tradition, but it might be one of the most beloved unofficial ones. Here is everything you need to know.
What is a Fish Extender?
Outside every stateroom door on a Disney ship, there is a small fish shaped door holder. It is meant for guests to hang paper notices and updates. Somewhere along the way, cruisers realized it could hold something much more fun.
Guests hang a fabric extender with multiple pockets from the fish, usually one pocket per child in their family. Then a group of cabins on your sailing takes turns leaving small gifts in each other's pockets throughout the cruise. Every morning your kids get to run to the door and see what showed up overnight.
How do I join a Fish Extender group?
Search Facebook for your specific sailing. Type in your ship name and your sail date and you will likely find a group made just for your cruise. Someone in the group, usually a few months before the sailing, will organize the Fish Extender exchange. You sign up, list how many kids you have, their ages, and their favorite characters or interests. From there, you get matched with your group and the planning begins.
Is it worth doing?
Here is my honest take from experience. My family did the general Fish Extender exchange on one of our sailings and we ended up with so much stuff we could not fit it all in our luggage. A lot of it was small dollar store style Disney trinkets. We actually left some behind in the room, which felt like a waste.
Since then, I have learned there is often a smaller, more intentional group within the larger one, where each child gets one nicer gift instead of a pile of little ones. If I could go back, that is the version I would choose. It usually costs about the same and feels a lot more meaningful.
What do people typically give?
Small toys, character themed treats, autograph books, pins, and personalized items are all common. Some families put a lot of thought and craft into their gifts. Others keep it simple. Both are completely fine. There is no obligation to spend a lot of money.
Where do I get the fish extender itself?
I am not the crafty type, so I bought mine on Etsy. There are tons of adorable options to choose from, and it saves you the trouble of making one yourself.
A few tips before you sign up
Read the group's guidelines carefully before committing. Some groups have a spending limit, others do not. Some are gift focused, others include door magnets or other small extras. Make sure the group's style matches what you are looking for.
If Fish Extenders feel overwhelming or you are not sure where to start, reach out. I am happy to help you find your sailing's Facebook group or just talk through whether it is the right fit for your family.
Written by Christine
Christine is the owner of Cascade Travel Co., a boutique travel agency specializing in Disney Cruise Line, luxury cruises, and Disney theme park vacations. She has sailed these ships and walked these parks herself, and loves helping families plan their next trip.
