I am sure during your extensive research deciding on a Disney Cruise vacation, you have heard of something called a Fish Extender or gift Fish Exchange. On our first cruise we saw these cool things hanging on the outside of many cabin doors. At first glance it looked like decoration. We thought that maybe the families staying in these cabins were being honored or were celebrating a milestone.  With a second look and on closer inspection you notice it is some kind of holder. We then thought that it was a way for cabinmates to exchange notes or mail with each other. It was almost like when we didn’t pay attention to what Midship Detective was the first time. I kept it moving. Toya on the other hand is a “I need to know why” girl and she was going to find out why everyone had these fancy mailboxes and we did not. 

 When we got home or actually-knowing Toya-when we got back to port and had phone service the investigation began.  Fish Extender is a prearranged gift exchange amongst designated groups on the ship. “Oh that’s what it is.” is what I said after Toya explained it but she needed more. WHY? WHY? WHYYYYY???? She dove deeper.  I will spare you the rabbit hole she went down and give you the gist.  A Fish Extender (Fish Exchange) allows groups onboard the ship to exchange small gifts with each other. It is a good way to meet fellow passengers and navigate different areas of the ship. Sometimes there are unofficial gatherings in the lobby to put a face with the names. You can meet cruisers from on the other side of the country to some living in your same neighborhood. That happened to us one time. There was a family that lived on the other side of our town. Small world.  Groups are usually formed on Facebook or Disney Boards. A moderator will assign families to the groups.

 Disney itself does not officially participate in the FE. The idea was created during a Panama Canal cruise by a passenger that thought it was a great way to get to know other passengers. After that the idea spread throughout the Disney World (see what I did there pun intended) and it was born. The Fish Extender can be made from a simple hanging basket to full out DIY artistic masterpiece. Etsy has several designers that create them if you do not have the crafting skills. 

 Gifts are often small to make it easy for the receiver to pack them for home. They can be Disney related or famous cookie recipes.  Some gifts are handcrafted and some feel exclusive because they are personalized or from the gifters hometown. 

 That is it in a nutshell. It is a fun activity to take part in. My daughters enjoyed sneaking up to the cabin doors and putting the gifts in and running away it was like they did not want to get caught as if they were Disney Cruise Lines’ very own Santa.