What Are Disney Cruise Line Fish Extenders?

There are so many fun traditions on cruise ships but especially on the Disney Cruise Line! Disney fish extenders is one of the most popular traditions on a Disney Cruise and for first timer cruisers they may be wondering what this tradition is about.

Fish extenders are a fun way to get to know other passengers on the ship and this also ties into the fun of door decorating on Disney Cruises. Since the doors are metal, you can stick tons of magnets and other removable decorations from your door.

Keep reading for all the information on what Disney fish extenders are and how to participate in this fun Disney Cruise Line experience.

What Are Fish Extenders?

Fish extenders is the name for a gift exchange, similar to the idea of a Secret Santa, that guests can play with others on the Disney Cruise Line ships.

A fish extender is the name of anything you hang outside your Disney Cruise room door to hold the gifts you want to exchange and receive.

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Origin of the Fish Extender Name

Why are they called fish extenders? On the first two Disney Cruise Line ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the stateroom numbers are located on a small metal fish that hangs outside the door. So when you hang things from the fish that it technically “extends” the fish hence fish extender.

These metal fish are what inspired the name and now those that are participating in the fish extender exchange hang their gift holders on the metal fish.

How to Participate in a Fish Extender Exchange

In order to participate in a fish extender exchange you need to find the group that is organized for your Disney Cruise Line ship and cruise.

There are two common places that guests can find to participate in Disney fish extender exchanges. The first place is to search for your cruise and dates on Facebook. Someone will usually make a specific Facebook group for the cruise and then you can sign up for gift exchanges and get to know other people sailing with you.

The second place is to look for groups on the DISboards Disney Cruise Line message board. This is another common place that people will organize and at times the Facebook group might even be connected to the discussion board.

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What Do You Put In Fish Extenders?

You can trade anything in fish extenders! Most guests opt for simple trinkets like bubbles, magnets, pins, or other party favor like items. Gifts can be homemade or purchased and most groups will give you an idea of the ages of the kids in the family so you can gift age correct items.

Some guests go all out with these favors and create some amazing items. But don't feel pressured to go too over the top, the idea is that these fish extender gifts are affordable and easy. You can gift every day of the cruise or all at once, these are the decisions that are made in the groups.

Decorate Your Disney Cruise Door

Another fun tradition, which often ties into the Disney fish extenders, is decorating your metal Disney Cruise door. This is another great way to get your family excited about the cruise! Plus everyone coming to your door to exchange gifts will see your door fully decorated which is a fun touch.

Taking the time to participate in these fun Disney Cruise Line activities is a great way to get to know other people on your cruise and get your kids involved in the fun. Kids will love coming back to your stateroom every night to find surprises in the Disney fish extenders. Plus getting them involved in the delivery of the fish extender gifts is fun for everyone because it gives you a chance to explore the ship.

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