What Is A Fish Extender?

So maybe you’ve heard of a fish extender. I know what you’re thinking. What’s a fish and why am I extending it?

Simply put, a fish extender (abbreviated as FE) is a Disney tradition that is observed by some enthusiasts but not ALL.

On the outside of every Disney cabin is a metal “fish” that Disney uses to tuck announcements and special notices to guests.

The tradition began when a guest hung small (empty) gift bags on the fish, thus “extending” off of it. Together with a small group of travelers, they thought it would be fun to exchange surprise gifts with the other members in their group. The idea was that they would choose a time during the day to make their surprise deliveries. Then, when the room guests return, they’ll have a fun surprise waiting for them.

The typical fish extender has a corded string that hangs off the fish, with a pouch or panel-type pouch attached (like a big file folder made out material!) to the cords. This picture shows two separate FE’s that are attached together, while some are all one unit. Either way, it typically has either names for each pouch, or decorations depicting who they belong to. (i.e.,  princess tutu for a daughter, a Hidden Mickey with an eye patch for a son, etc. Groups usually start on Facebook and begin connecting and signing up.

Some FE groups will give one gift per person in the cabin, while other groups give just one cabin gift. Gifts can range from something small with a Disney theme, to handcrafted items. My personal favorite is receiving local items from the giver. For example, salt water taffy from an FE participant in Maine, or local souvenirs or magnets from a person’s hometown. Whatever your group decides on is fine, just remember to leave extra luggage room for gifts you’re bringing as well as gifts for those you’re bringing back home with you!