Everything you need to know about Disney cruise fish extenders

Looking for a way to make your next Disney trip magical? Savvy sailors join a fish extender exchange group to add some pixie dust to their vacation at sea.

What are fish extensions? No, they are not related to Nemo or Dory. They’re actually a key accessory to the popular Secret Santa-style activity on Disney rides that can be fun for the whole family. Here’s everything you need to know about fish expanders and how to use them.

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What are fish extensions?

If you’ve ever been on a Disney cruise, you may have noticed that some passengers hang pocket organizers near their cabin doors. These are called fish extenders, named after the metal fish emblem (or other sea animal) found outside your house door (usually above your house number). The sign serves as a mailbox for travel tickets, restaurant reminders and an envelope with your key cards on the first day of your trip. This is also where boaters hang their fish extenders.

What is the purpose of these hanging organizers? To allow other passengers to leave small gifts and trinkets for people in your house as part of a secret Santa mission. Disney Cruise Line does not organize this fish exchange; they are arranged independently by the sailors on each voyage.

You will see many different types of fish on a Disney cruise. The most popular styles of fish extender are reusable canvas shopping bags or bags with custom sections such as door organizers.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney trip

How do you contact people to participate in the gift exchange?

Two of the most popular places to find fish extender groups are on cruise board community boards and on Facebook.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll first want to find your itinerary by searching for your ship and dates. For example, you can search for “Disney Dream, Aug. 12-19, 2025,” and if the group already exists, ask to join.

Within groups (sometimes called groups), small groups can be created to exchange fish. This can be based on a variety of themes, including family exchanges, senior exchanges, or the type of gift you want to exchange, such as magnets or holiday ornaments. Depending on what type of gift exchange you want to participate in, you can sign up for one or more small groups. Groups are usually listed by the group manager so you can see what your options are before committing to a themed group.

After you decide which type of fish extender group you want to be a part of, the group editor will add you to the list. You may also be asked to fill out a short survey about you and your cabin mates – what you like, favorite Disney characters, favorite vacations, etc.

The large group is then divided into smaller, manageable groups so no one family has to buy too much. Before your cruise, you will receive a brief list of the cabins for your gift list. If you have completed the fish extender group survey, you will receive the same information about your assigned fish extender group mates.

Related: The best Disney cruises for everyone — even Disney veterans

Where to get fish extensions

Depending on the type of fish extender you want (a bag or a tarp bag), you can either buy it or make it yourself. If you want to buy your own fish extender, Etsy and Amazon offer many great options.

Additionally, YouTube offers a number of tutorials on how to make a fish extender. Some require basic sewing knowledge, while others are sewing lessons. Just find the video that looks the easiest to you, find everything you need at the craft store and get to work.

What are the best fish extender gifts?

The Disney fish extender gift ideas are almost endless. If you’re crafty, consider homemade gifts like magnets, ornaments and key chains. Those who choose to buy gifts can purchase glow sticks, small toys, mugs and tote bags. Pro tip: Give gifts you would love to receive.

Need inspiration for fish extender gifts? Go to YouTube or TikTok for fish extender hauls or search gift ideas on Etsy. When it’s time to shop, online stores like Amazon and Etsy are great places. I also like to find little trinkets for the kids in the dollar section at Target, craft stores or an “everything is a dollar” type of store.

Make sure your suitcase is big enough to fit the gifts you plan to take (and those you will receive during your cruise). I have seen fish extenders overflowing with wealth, which is a good thing. However, gifts can be difficult to pack if you don’t leave enough room in your suitcase.

The general rule of thumb for the fish extender exchange is to give one time to each person in your assigned cabin group during the trip. So if you have five drawers and four people in each drawer, you’ll have 20 gifts you’ll need to get out. Most people bring all the gifts one drawer at a time.

What kind of budget should you expect for fish extender gifts?

Your budget will depend on the type of group you join. Some fish extender groups will offer a dollar amount per person. Some groups allow each person to decide how much they want to spend. I like to keep each gift between $10 and $15, especially if I’m buying for a few people.

The number of people in your assigned cabin group will depend on the cabin limits set by the organizer, but the average group is five to 10 rooms. Just be aware that cabins typically accommodate one to five guests, which can quickly blow your fish extender budget.

If you have a fish extender group with six cabins of four people each, you buy 24 people. That multiplied by $10 per gift per person makes your budget $240.

How to use your fish extender

Once on board, the real fun of exchanging a fish extender gift begins.

Hang your fish extender as soon as possible on the first day. Consider packing your extender in your carry-on bag so you can hang it up immediately after the cabins are ready. Many people hang their fish extensions on a metal animal that shows the house number, but I have seen people hang fish extensions on their doors with metal magnetic hooks.

When do you bring fish extender gifts?

Generally, there is no specific time set aside for bringing fish extender gifts, but you will want to bring each gift for the same cabin at the same time. If you have 10 different cabinets to deliver to, it may take a while to get to everyone. You don’t want to go back twice to a house you’ve already visited.

You must distribute all your gifts before dinner on the last night. This is not a hard and fast rule, but many riders pack right after dinner so that group members can pack the bags the night before disembarkation. No one wants to figure out how to put gifts in a carry-on bag that might already be full of last-minute items like pajamas and toiletries.

Where do you put the gifts you received?

Check your fish extender each day so you can keep any goodies you found inside your cabinet. This prevents any unwanted swiping and allows you to see and enjoy what’s on offer. Create a dedicated space in the closet for your gifts — a small carry-on suitcase that is easily accessible or an unused drawer or shelf.

Is a fish extender gift exchange and a pixie duster the same thing?

One topic that comes up a lot on Disney Cruise Line teams is the difference between fish extensions and “pixie dusting.” Fish extensions are part of an organized gift exchange. Pixie dusting is giving or receiving a gift that is not organized by the group. Receiving gifts of pixie dust is a surprise, and you are not expected to give a gift in exchange.

Some people still give out bags or fish extender bags for pixie cut gifts, even if they don’t participate in the fish extender trade.

In the past, I’ve taken small trinkets into the ship to give out as pixie dust gifts. On a recent trip, I enjoyed giving out friendship bracelets with Disney sayings on them. I also decorate the pixie with Halloween themed gift bags filled with pencils, spider rings and ghost erasers from the “Halloween on the High Seas” series.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Bottom line

Joining a fish extender group and participating in the accompanying gift exchange can be a great way to add some fun to your Disney trip. However, it can be a big time and financial commitment. You can buy or gift fish extenders, but you must follow the rules of the group you joined. If you’re on a budget but still want to give gifts, consider pixie dusting gifts instead. No matter how you travel, sharing gifts with others is a fun way to add magic to your trip.

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