If you’ve booked a Disney Cruise, you’ve probably planned out your dining reservations, shore excursions, and maybe even your packing list.
But there’s one activity that many Disney cruisers love, and it’s not something you’ll find in the official itinerary: Fish Extenders.
What Are Fish Extenders?
Fish Extenders are part of a long-running, unofficial Disney Cruise tradition that adds a fun and creative element to your trip.
Think of it as a Secret Santa-style gift exchange that happens right onboard, with little surprises waiting for you each day of the cruise.
Here’s how it works: every stateroom on a Disney ship has a decorative metal “fish” or other metal “symbol” outside the door.
The crew uses these to leave important messages or tickets for guests.
Over time, Disney cruisers turned these into a way to exchange gifts by hanging pocket organizers—called Fish Extenders—on the hooks.
A Fish Extender is essentially a hanging organizer with pockets, often personalized with names, favorite Disney characters, or cruise dates. Other cruisers participating in the exchange leave small gifts in the pockets, making it a fun and magical experience for everyone involved.
How to Join a Fish Extender Group
Since Fish Extenders are not officially organized by Disney, you’ll need to join or create a group for your specific cruise.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Find Your Cruise Group
Search for Facebook groups or online forums related to your ship and sailing date. For example, search for “Disney Wish, June 2026.” We have also compiled a list for you below of all the ones we could find. - Sign Up for an Exchange
Once you’ve joined your cruise’s group, look for posts about Fish Extender sign-ups. Exchanges can be themed (e.g., family groups, adults-only, or specific gift themes like ornaments or magnets). - Share Your Details
Groups usually ask participants to share information like their names, favorite Disney characters, or hobbies. This helps make the gifts more personal and meaningful. - Receive Your Group Assignment
You’ll be paired with a small group of staterooms (usually 5–10 cabins). You’ll receive their details, and they’ll receive yours. Once this is done, you can start preparing your gifts.
What Gifts Should You Give?
The beauty of Fish Extender gifts is that they can be as simple or creative as you like. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- For Kids: Disney-themed stickers, glow sticks, small toys, or coloring kits.
- For Adults: Reusable cups, tote bags, magnets for stateroom doors, or small snacks.
- DIY Gifts: Handmade keychains, ornaments, or custom magnets.
- Practical Items: Sunscreen, lip balm, or other useful cruise essentials.
The best gifts are thoughtful and fun, but they don’t need to be expensive.
How Much Should You Spend?
There’s no set budget for Fish Extender gifts, but some groups might agree on a spending limit (e.g., $5–$10 per gift). If you’re in a group with 5 cabins and each cabin has 4 people, you’ll need 20 gifts total. At $10 per gift, that’s a $200 budget.
Of course, many cruisers make their own gifts to keep costs low, and these are often the most creative and memorable.
What to Do Once You’re Onboard
Here’s how the Fish Extender fun unfolds on your cruise:
- Hang Your Fish Extender
Once your stateroom is ready, attach your Fish Extender to the metal fish outside your door. Most people pack it in their carry-on so it’s ready to hang as soon as they board. - Deliver Your Gifts
There’s no set time for delivering gifts, but many cruisers do it during the day when others are exploring the ship or ports. Just make sure to complete your deliveries before the last night of the cruise. - Check Your Extender Daily
Make it a habit to check your Fish Extender each day. You never know what surprises may be waiting for you!
Not Ready for a Full Exchange? Try Pixie Dusting
If you don’t want to commit to a full Fish Extender group, you can still join the fun by pixie dusting. This is a random act of kindness where you leave a small gift for someone without expecting anything in return.
It’s a low-pressure way to spread a little extra magic.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. Fish Extender exchanges add an extra layer of fun to your cruise. It’s not just about the gifts—it’s about the joy of giving, receiving, and connecting with other Disney fans.
Whether you fully participate in a Fish Extender group or just try pixie dusting, these small moments make your Disney Cruise experience even more special.
But don’t stress it. This is something that is totally optional – not everyone does it and not everyone does it for every Disney cruise they sail on.
It is totally up to you.
Disney Wonder Fish Extender Groups for 2025 and 2026
Many Fish Extender groups are hosted on Facebook. If you can’t find one for your specific sailing, think about starting one yourself.
Remember though that none of these Groups are affiliated or endorsed by EverythingMouse – we are just providing the list for you to save you some time.
Looking for Fish Extenders on a different Disney ship? Check out these guides:
- Disney Treasure Cruise Fish Extenders Guide
- Disney Wish Fish Extenders Guide
- Disney Destiny Fish Extenders
June 2025 Alaskan Cruises
- June 2nd, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
View Group - June 9th, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
View Group - June 16th, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan)
View Group - June 23rd, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
View Group - June 30th, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
View Group
July 2025 Alaskan Cruises
- July 7th, 2025 – 9-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Ketchikan, Glacier Viewing, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Victoria)
View Group - July 16th, 2025 – 5-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Ketchikan)
View Group - July 21st, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
View Group - July 28th, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
View Group
August 2025 Alaskan Cruises
- August 4th, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
Join Group - August 11th, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan)
Join Group - August 18th, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
Join Group - August 25th, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
Join Group
September 2025 Alaskan & Hawaiian Cruises
- September 1st, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
Join Group - September 8th, 2025 – 7-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
Join Group - September 15th, 2025 – 8-night Alaskan from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan)
Join Group - September 23rd, 2025 – 10-night Hawaiian Cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu
(Nawiliwili, Kahului, Hilo)
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October 2025 South Pacific & Disney Magic Cruises
- October 3rd, 2025 – 14-Night South Pacific Cruise from Honolulu to Sydney
(Pago Pago, Suva, Nouméa)
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Join Group - October 19th, 2025 – 5-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney
(Hobart, Eden) - October, 24th, 2025 – 3-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney
October 27th, 2025 – 3-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney to Melbourne
(n/a)
October 30th, 2025 – 3-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Melbourne
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November 2025
- November 2nd, 2025 – 4-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Melbourne
(Hobart) - November 6th, 2025 – 3-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Melbourne
(n/a) - November 9th, 2025 – 4-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Melbourne
(Hobart) - November 13th, 2025 – 3-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Melbourne
- Join Group
- November 16th, 2025 – 4-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Melbourne
(Hobart)
- November 20th, 2025 – 5-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Melbourne to Auckland
(n/a) - November 25th, 2025 – 5-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Auckland
(Wellington, Christchurch) - November 30th, 2025 – 4-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Auckland
(Wellington)
December 2025
- December 4th, 2025 – 3-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Auckland
(n/a) - December 7th, 2025 – 4-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Auckland
(Wellington) - December 11th, 2025 – 3-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Auckland
(n/a) - December 14th, 2025 – 5-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Auckland
(Wellington, Christchurch)
- December 19th, 2025 – 10-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Auckland to Sydney
(Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Fiordland National Park)
Join Group - December 29th, 2025 – 5-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney
(Eden)
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January 2026
- January 3rd, 2026 – 5-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney
(Hobart, Eden) - January 8th, 2026 – 4-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney
(Hobart) - January 12th, 2026 – 4-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney
(Hobart) - January 16th, 2026 – 4-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney
(Hobart) - January 20th, 2026 – 3-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney
(n/a) - January 23rd, 2026 – 3-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney
(n/a) - January 26th, 2026 – 4-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney
(Hobart)
- January 30th, 2026 – 3-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Sydney
February 2026
- February 2nd, 2026 – 14-Night South Pacific Cruise from Sydney to Honolulu
(Nouméa, Suva, Pago Pago, Nawiliwili)
[Join Group] - February 16th, 2026 – 10-Night Hawaiian Cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver
(Nawiliwili, Kahului, Hilo)
- February 26th, 2026 – 4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from Vancouver to San Diego
(n/a)
March 2026 Baja Cruises
- March 2nd, 2026 – 4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada) - March 6th, 2026 – 3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada) - March 9th, 2026 – 4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada) - March 13th, 2026 – 3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada) - March 16th, 2026 – 4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada)
- March 20th, 2026 – 3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada) - March 23rd, 2026 – 4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada)
- March 27th, 2026 – 3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Ensenada) - March 30th, 2026 – 4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada)
April 2026 Baja & Mexican Riviera Cruises
- April 3rd, 2026 – 3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada) - April 6th, 2026 – 4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada) - April 10th, 2026 – 3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada) - April 13th, 2026 – 4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada) - April 17th, 2026 – 3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada) - April 20th, 2026 – 4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada)
Join Group - April 24th, 2026 – 7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego
(Puerta Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada)
May 2026 Baja & Alaskan Cruises
- May 1st, 2026 – 3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Catalina Island, Ensenada) - May 4th, 2026 – 3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
(Ensenada)
Join Group - May 11th, 2026 – 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver
(Glacier Viewing, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan)
Join Group
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.