Are you setting sail on a Disney Cruise? The Fish Extender exchange is a beloved tradition where you surprise your fellow cruisers with fun little gifts throughout the voyage. Whether this is your first Disney cruise or an annual tradition, this guide will help you choose the perfect Fish Extender gifts (or FE gifts as some call them) to make magical memories (and score major points) with your fellow Disney enthusiasts! From delightful DIY treats to charming store-bought finds, get ready to spread some pixie dust with the best Disney Cruise Fish Extender gift ideas!
What is a Fish Extender?
Ever wondered about those cute fish (or seahorses!) hanging outside the staterooms on a Disney Cruise? These aren’t just for decoration! They’re actually mailboxes where you’ll find important cruise information like daily schedules and activity listings.
But Disney magic goes a step further. Many cruisers participate in the Fish Extender exchange, a fun tradition where folks hang fabric pouches from these fishy mailboxes outside their stateroom door.
Throughout the week, you’t leave small gifts for your fellow participants in their extenders by their cabin door, and receive delightful surprises in return – it’s like a Secret Santa at sea and a fun way to connect with your fellow cruise mates!
How Do I Join a Fish Extender Exchange Group?
Unfortunately, there isn’t an official way to sign up for a Fish Extender group through Disney Cruise Line itself. However, joining the fun is all about connecting with your fellow Disney enthusiasts before you set sail! Here’s how to find your Fish Extender crew:
- Search Facebook Groups: This is the most common method. Look for Facebook groups with names that include your specific sail date and Disney Cruise Line (e.g., “Disney Magic January 2025 Sailing”). Many times, there will be a designated thread or discussion about the Fish Extender exchange within these groups.
- Disney Cruise Line Fan Forums: Explore online forums dedicated to Disney Cruises https://www.disboards.com/forums/disney-cruise-line-forum.9/. Search for threads related to your sail date and see if there’s any buzz about a Fish Extender exchange.
- Ask Your Travel Agent: If you booked your cruise through a travel agent, they might have some insider knowledge on whether a Fish Extender group exists for your specific sailing.
Once you find the group for your sail date, keep an eye out for a post from a volunteer organizer. This person will usually provide details on how the exchange will work, including:
- Sign-up instructions: There might be a form to fill out or a comment section to join the fish extender exchange.
- Gift exchange guidelines: This could include a budget suggestion, size restrictions for the Fish Extender pockets (remember, you’ll be carrying these gifts around the ship!), and any other helpful tips.
- Participant list: This will show you who else is participating and their stateroom numbers for gift drop-offs.
By joining the online community and following the organizer’s instructions, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the magic of the Fish Extender exchange on your Disney Cruise!
Choosing the Perfect Fish Extender Gift
Before we go shopping there are a few things to consider when choosing a fish extender gift:
- Consider your recipient: Are they adults, kids, or a mix? What are their interests? Are they celebrating a birthday or honeymoon on the cruise?
- Think about size and weight: The Fish Extender pockets aren’t huge, so keep the size of your gifts in mind. You’ll also need to travel with all of these gifts and have room to bring home any gifts you receive.
- Price point: Set a budget for your gifts. It’s easy to overspend on cute Disney trinkets!
DIY & Homemade Fish Extender Gift Ideas
DIY & Homemade Fish Extender Gift Ideas
While many people will turn to a store for ready-made gifts, plenty of people will choose to put their skills to the test and make their own gifts. This can be a great way to save money and also make your gifts more personal. Here are a few ideas for homemade gifts:
- Disney-themed treats: Bake some yummy cookies or cupcakes decorated with Mickey Mouse heads or pirate flags. Package them attractively in small bags or wrap them in plastic wrap.
- Small crafts: Decorate clothespins or keychains with Disney characters or pirate themes.
Store-Bought Fish Extender Gift Ideas
- Theme it Up! You’re on a Disney cruise after all! You could include Disney themed mini figures, lanyards, character ears, stickers, craft supplies – you name it, Disney makes it!
- Think Useful – Travel Size Essentials: I love something that is both consumable and useful. A travel sized sunscreen people can toss in their bags for a day on Castaway Cay, a lip balm, or a hand sanitizer before heading to the buffet are all great ideas.
- Gift cards or Disney Dollars: Allow them to choose their own souvenirs. Now, this could get pricey depending on the size of your FE group. Nonetheless, it’s an easy idea that will be beloved by all of your recipients!
- Small but consumable items are great, too! Glow sticks for evenings on deck, bubbles to blow on sandy beaches, mini coloring books for dinner or traveling home. Your local dollar store is a great resource for these items.
Additional Tips for Fish Extender Success
- Presentation is key! Wrap or decorate your gifts creatively. We love these adorable nautical treat bags
- Include a handwritten note: Make it personal and add to the magic. How about some Disney themed note cards?
- Follow Disney Cruise Line guidelines: Technically Disney Cruise Lines doesn’t endorse fish extenders. With that being said, they don’t discourage it, either. Check with the updated list of prohibited items for Disney Cruise Line guests to be sure you’re not bringing anything that isn’t allowed.
More Fun Ideas for Fish Extender Gift Exchanges
- Remember that each Disney Cruise has a pirate night. Maybe add some pirate themed accessories for your fellow travelers!
- Personalize your gifts! Is this someone’s first Disney Cruise? Commemorate it with a pin or keychain they can keep with them on their travels.
- Celebrate your home for the week! Some cruisers LOVE to try new ships, while others stick to the one they love. Theme your gifts based on the names of the ship! Weather it’s the classic Disney Magic or the newly launched Disney Wish, your fellow fish exchangers will love the personalized touch.
Don’t Forget Your Fish Extender!
You’ll need a place for all of your new friends to place the gifts that they’re bringing you. You can go the DIY route. We found a ton of tutorials, but this one looks quick and easy!
However, feel free to take a little help from the store on this one. Etsy is full of personalized FE Door hangers! We love this one for a Disney nautical feel!
More Disney Inspiration!
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- Cute Disney Earrings from Etsy
- Gift Guide for Disney Fans
- Must Haves for Your Disney Vacation
- Everything You Need to Know About a Disney Cruise
