Disney Cruise Line Fish Extender Program

We sailed with DCL several years ago and noticed many cabins on the ship had cute door hangers that were filled with goodies each evening. As rookies, we had no idea what was happening. We were so sad when we learned about the Fish Extender program and realized we missed out on extra magic during our cruise. If we ever take another Disney cruise, we will definitely participate.

If you’re like me, you may not be aware of the Fish Extender phenomenon…here’s a link that fully explains the FE program: https://www.picturethemagic.com/fish-extenders/

Amanda at Dixie Delights also does a great job breaking it down. She shares her experience here: https://dixiedelightsonline.com/2018/05/disney-cruise-line-fish-extenders.html

Taken early one morning during our cruise…I was the first one up and enjoyed this gorgeous rainbow while waiting for chairs to be set up. August 2019.

A sweet friend recently reached out to me for help creating some cute fish extender gifts for their DCL voyage next week. I had so much fun personalizing goodies for her! I didn’t realize until my friend’s order that adults often participate in the fish extender program as well as kids, although it’s not mandatory that everyone in a group takes part. Here’s what I contributed:

EmeryBodie DCL Gifts

The clear vinyl bags are for the adult/teen ladies on the trip. The adult fellas are getting Disney font mugs and the younger kiddos are getting drawstring backpacks personalized with Disney font. My friend will include other Disney themed treats with these gifts. While working on this order I started thinking of cute options to include with the bags and found a bunch of stuff on Amazon. If you would like any of these gifts for your own FE experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! I love making Disney surcees.

The first thing you’ll need to purchase after joining your FE Facebook group is the actual FE door hanger. Etsy has many adorable options that can be customized with names and characters. However, if you find yourself pressed for time or want to keep costs down, this Amazon option checks all the boxes.

Fish Extender Door Hanger on Amazon

Get your door hanger here: https://amzn.to/42qnGCe

Another surprise for me as a first time DCL cruiser is that many families decorate their doors. A personalized magnet for your own door and also the door of your FE family is a nice touch. Bonus: it’s easy to pack. Added bonus: it makes a cute souvenir.

DCL Magnet

I love that you can add the name of the ship as well. Order here: https://amzn.to/3ljOeo0

I scoured Amazon to find items that are sure to please your fellow passengers, won’t break the bank, and should fit in door hangers easily. Bookmark this post and refer back to it before you cruise with Disney!

The first thing that came to mind when brainstorming is Spot It. My family loves this game (adults and kids alike) and we have the original as well as the NFL version. Guess what? “Finding Dory” and “Frozen II” options are also available!

Disney Spot It

Frozen II: https://amzn.to/42cklXg

Finding Dory: https://amzn.to/3ZNUlzD

Another game my kids enjoy is “What Do You Meme?” Good news: a Disney version exists!

Disney Meme Game

Not only would these games be fun on the cruise, they’d be perfect for game nights at home as well.

Meme game: https://amzn.to/40s0RML

Bodie is never without a ball of some sort. We take a football on every single vacation. Even when relaxing on the couch, he’s usually tossing a tennis ball. He’s not particular…just something he can throw to his buddies or entertain himself. That being said, I know these foam balls would get lots of use on and off the ship.

Disney Foam Balls

I wish I could find other characters, but hopefully these work with your FE families. Get them here: https://amzn.to/3Lr4rCl

Candy is always a winner! Disney Pez dispensers are an adorable FE gift.

Disney Pez

This box of twelve includes great characters! Available here: https://amzn.to/3LlTaTT

Even at 11 and 13, my kids still love fruit snacks. So do their friends. I am constantly replenishing our supply at home. They’re great for travel because they don’t melt or crumble. Pack these for your own family to enjoy as well as your FE friends.

Disney Fruit Snacks

If you can’t find these at your local grocery store, Amazon for the win. https://amzn.to/3JncCga

This next gift is particularly good because it appeals to big kids, little kids, boys and girls. And probably many adults as well. Stickers are great for personalizing water bottles, laptops, notebooks, suitcases and more. This pack is a great value and contains all your favorite characters.

Stickers

The reviews for these are great! Stock up here: https://amzn.to/3FmQoKo

For young sailors, a sticker book is a fun surprise. My kids always enjoyed books like this while traveling.

Sticker Book

Again, these are a great price point, easy to pack and will fit in the fish extender door hanger. Get them on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3lkxJYH

A FE idea for older kids and adults is a Disney airtag holder. Airtags are extremely useful when traveling! Chances are good that someone in your FE recipient group will have an airtag or two.

Disney Airtag Holder

Airtag cases here: https://amzn.to/3LruQ32

Another cute, affordable travel necessity? Luggage tags. Regardless of your destination, who wouldn’t want one of these to help their bags stand out?

Mickey and Minnie Luggage Tags

This set of four is available here for less than $14! https://amzn.to/3FOzjt5

I would love to personalize gifts for your next Disney trip. The options are endless!

My children love gift exchanges similar to this (“elfing” and “booing” neighbors during the holidays…delivering divisional fairy gifts during swim team) and I truly regret not participating in the Fish Extender program. Skulking around the ship after everyone goes to bed is right in their wheelhouse!

Happy travels!

Share:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Trending

Swig Tumblers

Recent Posts

On Key

Related Posts

Deep Thoughts on a Saturday

I’ve been super busy lately, but haven’t had a chance to post about it! I’ve been busy with travel, kids, orders and life. Summer has

Travel Tuesday: Disneyland

Happy Tuesday! We spent most of last week in Anaheim at Disneyland with dear friends. This is the same crew we did Disney World with