Fish Extender on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wonder

Guide to Disney Cruise Line Fish Extender Exchange

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As you plan your Disney Cruise Line vacation, you are bound to hear about Disney Cruise Line Fish Extender (FE) exchanges. But what exactly are they? In this guide, we will tell you all about fish extenders, FE exchanges, and how to participate. 

Join a Fish Extender Group for your Disney Cruise
Join a Fish Extender Group for your Disney Cruise

Joining a Disney Cruise fish extender exchange is a fun and unique activity that adds an extra layer of excitement to your Disney cruise experience. Participating in an FE exchange is completely optional, and FE groups are unofficial activities that are not sponsored by Disney. However, FE groups are a wonderful way to connect with other cruisers during your adventure on the high seas and add a little pixie dust to what is sure to already be a magical experience. 

What is a Fish Extender?

You might be thinking what is a fish extender, and why are these groups called fish extender exchanges? Well, on the original Disney Cruise Line ships, a fish-shaped hook can be found outside each stateroom door above the stateroom number. Guests participating in an FE exchange will typically hang a fabric pouch on the fish-shaped hooks, and this is where gifts from the FE exchange are delivered.

Fish Extender on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wonder
Fish Extender on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder

On newer ships, the fish has been replaced by other shapes. For example, on the Disney Wish, the hook matches the theme of your stateroom. For example, if you have a Cinderella-themed stateroom, the hook will be in the shape of Cinderella’s coach. Hence, the term fish extender refers to the fabric pouch hung on the fish hook. 

Fish Extender on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wish Cinderella-themed room
Fish Extender on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish Cinderella-themed room

What is a Disney Cruise Fish Extender Exchange?  

Fish extender exchanges have become a beloved tradition among Disney cruise fans. Participants join a Fish Extender group before their sail date, where they share their stateroom number and get matched with fellow cruisers. The exchange allows participants to give and receive small, thoughtful gifts throughout the cruise, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

The Fish Extender exchange is particularly appealing to first-time Disney Cruise Line vacationers, as it offers a fun way to connect with new friends and adds a personalized touch to the cruise experience. By joining an FE exchange, you can enjoy the excitement of finding little surprises waiting for you when you return to your stateroom. Whether you’re sailing on the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, or Disney Wish, participating in a Fish Extender exchange is a great way to enhance your vacation and create lasting memories.

How to Join a Fish Extender Group for Your Disney Cruise

Once you have your Disney cruise booked and decide to join an FE group, the easiest way to find and join a group is through a Facebook group dedicated to your specific sail date. These groups are created by past and future cruisers who want to connect before and during the cruise. To join, simply search for your sail date and ship name on Facebook, and you’ll likely find an active group ready to welcome new members. Once you are a member of the Facebook group, you will likely find that someone has already started a post on Fish Extender exchanges that you can also sign up to join.

It’s important to join a Fish Extender group as early as possible to ensure you have plenty of time to prepare your gifts and plan for the exchange. Once you’re in the Fish Extender group, you’ll need to share your stateroom number, so your fellow cruisers know where to leave their gifts. Typically, there will be different FE groups for families or adults only. You may also be asked for details such as your favorite Disney character, the age(s) of your children, and allergies, which help FE group members plan their gifts. 

How Fish Extender Exchanges Work

Once your sailing starts, you can distribute your gifts based on your FE group. You are responsible for distributing your gifts throughout your sailing. If you do not plan to purchase wifi on the ship, you may want to take a screenshot of the FE list, download it to your phone, or print it out so that you have the stateroom numbers handy when it is time to deliver your gifts. 

Example Fish Extender Gifts
Example Fish Extender Gifts

Once on board, you’ll hang your Fish Extender on the fish hook outside your cabin door. This is where fellow cruisers will leave their little surprises for your room. The FE exchange operates on an honor system, where each participant is responsible for delivering gifts to the stateroom doors of others in the group. The only way to ensure the exchange runs smoothly is to follow the FE list closely and make time to complete your deliveries.

We recommend delivering your gifts on the first or second day of the cruise, especially if the items are useful during the sailing.  

Purchasing Your Fish Extender

There are plenty of fabric pouch options available to use as your fish extender. 

Fish Extender Disney Cruise Fitted Hanging Pockets
Fish Extender Disney Cruise Fitted Hanging Pockets

Many options can be found online, from simple plain pouches or custom made Disney cruise-themed designs. 

Cruise Door Fabric Organizer
Cruise Door Fabric Organizer

If you enjoy DIY projects and have the time, creating your own Fish Extender allows for a personalized touch. You can craft your own from start to finish or you can purchase a pre-made fabric organizer and personalize it on your own. Adding your family’s names, the ship’s name, cruise dates, or favorite characters can make it even more special.

Planning and Preparing Your Fish Extender Gifts

Planning and preparing your fish extender gifts is a fun and creative part of participating in a Disney Cruise fish extender exchange. The key is to choose a variety of gifts that will delight your fellow cruisers and reflect the magic of your Disney adventure. Start by thinking about the types of FE gifts you want to give, which can range from small, practical items to themed, personalized surprises.

Small gifts are always a hit, especially when they’re practical. Consider useful items like cooling towels and bottle openers, which are perfect for fellow travelers. These practical gifts can easily be packed and are appreciated by everyone. Cooling Towels

Cooling Towels

If you want to add a bit of whimsy, glow sticks make great little gifts that can be used during evening deck parties.

Glow Sticks
Glow Sticks

For a more personalized touch, themed gifts featuring favorite characters from Disney are always popular. Think about incorporating fun ideas like creating gift bags filled with little treasures. Planning ahead ensures you have plenty of time to select and prepare your gifts.

One common mistake is overpacking for the exchange. While it’s tempting to bring elaborate gifts, remember that the fish extender gift exchange is about having fun and sharing small, thoughtful surprises. Focus on preparing gifts that are easy to pack and won’t take up too much space in your luggage. 

As you prepare for your next cruise, remember that the joy of giving and receiving these fun gifts is what makes fish extender exchanges such a memorable part of the Disney cruise experience.

Participating in a Disney Cruise fish extender exchange is a great way to connect with fellow cruisers and share the Disney magic, whether it is your first cruise or 50th cruise. It’s a fun way to meet new friends and create magical memories. Past cruisers often say it’s one of the highlights of their trip. Whether sailing on the Disney Fantasy, Disney Wonder, or Disney Wish, fish extender exchanges bring much fun and excitement. 

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