If you have been on a Disney Cruise, you might wonder what the cute hanging pockets are outside some guest’s staterooms. If you are about to go on a cruise, you need to know all about Fish Extenders and the gift exchanges you can join.

If you have a cruise booked and would like to find other families that are on your sailing, do a search on some of the Disney message boards or on Facebook for your Disney ship and sail date. It is a great way to find other kids the same ages as yours, meet new people, find a group to do a specialized class like wine tasting or learn about the cities you will be visiting. These groups often start a gift exchange group that is so much fun to be a part of. If you want to participate in the Fish Extender group you can sign up with your stateroom number, names of everyone in your family and the ages of your kids.

Outside each Disney stateroom is a cute metal fish to hold notes from the staff or reminder cards for spa or dining reservations. The Fish Extender (or FE) hangs over the fish and becomes a mailbox of sorts for gifts to be delivered. You can make your own or order a custom Fish Extenders on sites like Etsy.

Once you have signed up for the exchange, you can make or purchase small gifts to give to everyone on your list. These gifts can range from magnets for the stateroom doors, pins to trade, or postcards or other mementos from your hometown. We have received wonderful, practical gifts like hand sanitizer, emergency sewing kits, and laundry detergent for onboard washing and fun things like luminaries, streamers for the sail away party, and candy treats.

Gifts can be delivered any time during your cruise. You can add a note explaining the gift or who it is from and; then simply drop off in the Fish Extenders for the staterooms in your group. It is just so much fun to check the pockets throughout the day when you are back at your room! I think the adult enjoy it s much as the kids.

Thinking of a Disney Cruise? You really can’t go wrong with any of the Disney Cruises curretnly offered, however, just forget the traditional packing list of swimsuits and sunscreen! Here is what you should bring to make the most of a magical cruising experience with Disney:

1. Pirate costumes or gear. On every Disney Cruise, there is a Pirates In the Caribbean deck party. There are games, music, dancing, Mickey Mouse swooping in to save the day. At the end, there are spectacular fireworks. Disney is the only cruise line to do fireworks at sea.
2. Singles. Pack an envelope of dollar bills to tip your room service waiter. While most room service food, including the fabulous Mickey Ice Cream Bars, is free, you want to tip the server.
3. A plain pillowcase & Sharpies. Have your kids pick out their favorite color markers, put them in a freezer baggie with a plain pillowcase & drop off at Guest Services on the ship. By the end of your cruise, the pillowcase will be returned to your stateroom autographed by the characters. It is a fun & inexpensive souvenir.
4. A power strip. Is your family gadget-crazy? The staterooms on the Disney ships are larger than other lines but there are few places to plug things in. Throw a small power strip in your bag for all the things that need to be plugged in.
5. Reusable cups or mugs. Soda, water, tea & coffee are available on the top deck free of charge but the cups provided are small. Bring along one of your Disney resort mugs or a double walled tumbler so you can have an ice cold drink by the pool or while watching a movie in the onboard theater. Disney shows first run films & some of their classics. We recently saw Wreck It Ralph at a midnight premiere & Frankenweenie while on board.
6. Highlighters in different colors. Each night, you will find a Personal Navigator in your stateroom detailing the next days’ activities. Have each member of your family highlight their must-do in a different color.  That way you won’t miss a thing!
7. Formalwear for longer cruises. While Disney doesn’t require people to dress up, it sure is fun! Take advantage of the free photographers who can take awesome family photos. You can purchase pictures but you are not obligated.
8. A picture of your kids. Once your kids see the amazing kids clubs, you aren’t likely to see them much on your cruise. There are clubs for kids, tweens & teens & even a nursery for the under 3 crowd. With so many activities for the kids, you can enjoy some quiet time by the adult pool or in the entertainment district. Book a meal at the adults only Palo on all four ships or at Remy on the Dream & Fantasy. Read a book without interruption. Take a nap. Hit the amazing spa or fitness center onboard.
   
9. Your sense of adventure.  The Disney Cruise Line offers itineraries to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska & Europe. Take in the local culture or try something new like Salsa dancing in Cozumel or whale watching in Alaska.
10. A calendar. You can save a lot of money by booking your next cruise while onboard. Once you experience the Disney magic at sea, you won’t be able to wait to do it again!

Disney has announced itineraries through the first part of 2017. For the best rates and availability, book as early as you can. This is an experience you don’t want to miss!