Disney Wonder April 27, 2016 4-night Castaway Cay, Nassau and Key West from Miami

[Sunny Fl.]

This will be our first cruise, I have a 7 year old daughter and 4 year old son! We are very excited. How do I get into contact will other families participating in the Fish Extenders????

I also want to join the extender group. I have a 12 year old and a 5 year old. This is my first Disney cruise.

 

[Sunny Fl.]

It sounds like you guys have a good amount of interest but I don't think anyone has started a FE group here yet - someone just needs to start it. Being in charge of the FE is easy (if a trial of patience as people do go MIA sometimes after saying they want to join).

Your group can decide on what information is necessary. A basic list may only have DISname/room number/number of people in the room. A more involved list could be first & last names/ages/room number/favorite character/favorite color/allergies/whatever is deemed necessary to know. Also a decision can be made as to size of FE. Some groups break out the list(s) at 10-15 rooms max, so that there are multiple lists (and some people will participate in more than one list). Other groups just make one big list (upwards of 20-30 rooms).

At some point the list will "close". Typically this happens 30-45 days out from the cruise, so that everyone participating has time to organize/prepare their gifts. Shortly before this time (about 2-3 weeks prior) the organizer will either post the list (usually via a conversation is best, as that's more private) to confirm everyone on it is still participating. And making a statement about "anyone not confirming by XX date will be dropped".

Once the list closes, the organizer will post the final list. Also, a decision must be made as to whether to allow late additions. Sometimes there is a "pixie dust" list. That is, basically, a latecomers list that gets posted about a week out from the cruise that others may or may not add to their "final" list. Be sure the "pixie dust" list participants realize they may or may not get gifts from others.
let me know if there is anything else I can help with!

Wow thank you so much for your reply and clarification. This really helped. I wouldn't want to be in charge since it is my first time doing this but really want to participate. I got my fish extender pockets already. How does the selection of who is in charge works or does anybody step up to do it? Thank you so much!!!

 

[TeresaB511]

We will be on this celebrating our 34th anniversary with our 4 best friends. Will be our 3rd Disney Cruise, first Disney for one couple and first cruise ever for the other couple.

5 Cruises, 4 ships, 32 nights
Alaska(1); Hawaii (1); Bahamas-3 day (2) & Bahamas-4 day (this one)
DL too many to count - last one 7/2015, next one 11/2016 WDW 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012 & 2014

 

[ribbit1019]

My hubby and I will be on this cruise! We are celebrating his 40th birthday on the 28th.

 

[Reporterbev]

Where can I find out about the fish extender group for this cruise?

We are also interested in the fish extender group!

 

[Reporterbev]

It sounds like you guys have a good amount of interest but I don't think anyone has started a FE group here yet - someone just needs to start it. Being in charge of the FE is easy (if a trial of patience as people do go MIA sometimes after saying they want to join).

Your group can decide on what information is necessary. A basic list may only have DISname/room number/number of people in the room. A more involved list could be first & last names/ages/room number/favorite character/favorite color/allergies/whatever is deemed necessary to know. Also a decision can be made as to size of FE. Some groups break out the list(s) at 10-15 rooms max, so that there are multiple lists (and some people will participate in more than one list). Other groups just make one big list (upwards of 20-30 rooms).

At some point the list will "close". Typically this happens 30-45 days out from the cruise, so that everyone participating has time to organize/prepare their gifts. Shortly before this time (about 2-3 weeks prior) the organizer will either post the list (usually via a conversation is best, as that's more private) to confirm everyone on it is still participating. And making a statement about "anyone not confirming by XX date will be dropped".

Once the list closes, the organizer will post the final list. Also, a decision must be made as to whether to allow late additions. Sometimes there is a "pixie dust" list. That is, basically, a latecomers list that gets posted about a week out from the cruise that others may or may not add to their "final" list. Be sure the "pixie dust" list participants realize they may or may not get gifts from others.
let me know if there is anything else I can help with!

Hi....thanks for the helpful info. Is there by chance a previous FE group you could direct me to so I just have some ideas on setting the FE group up? I will volunteer to do it, but I will be a 'newbie' - so looking for a little guidance. I've done lots of Carnival cruises, but this Disney cruise is definitely the highlight we have been waiting for -- and the FE group is just perfect for us!

 

[Reporterbev]

Wow thank you so much for your reply and clarification. This really helped. I wouldn't want to be in charge since it is my first time doing this but really want to participate. I got my fish extender pockets already. How does the selection of who is in charge works or does anybody step up to do it? Thank you so much!!!

I can't find where there is a link or thread where anyone has volunteered. I am new to this, and would be glad to get it started, just trying to be sure there isn't already a FE thread for this cruise started.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I can't find where there is a link or thread where anyone has volunteered. I am new to this, and would be glad to get it started, just trying to be sure there isn't already a FE thread for this cruise started.

It appears that no one here has started a DISboard FE group.

Here's some information that you might find useful:
Quick course in Fish Extenders:

Outside your room onboard is a message holder, in most cases it's shaped like a fish:


Once a cruise meet thread is up and running, someone in the group will (should?) step up and say "I'll maintain the Fish Extender exchange list". That person is the center point for all those who want to participate in the exchange. The list can be as simple as DISnames/room number/number of guests or as involved as full names/room number/ages of guests/like & dislikes/allergies/favorite characters/whatever is deemed necessary to know to put together the gifts.

Then each room on the FE list (note this will not be everyone on the Cruise Meet thread for your specific cruise), makes a Fish Extender holder. This is basically an organizer-type hanging bag with separate pockets for each person in the room:


They also make up gifts (either individual gifts or room gifts - whatever is decided by your group) to be delivered during the cruise.

One note about the gifts, some groups set up specific delivery dates, and specify "each person gets a gift" or "only one gift per room" or (even) maximum/minimum price ranges for gifts. Other groups just say "whatever", so people can choose what/how many gifts to give. Some give individual gifts, others only one gift per room, while others might do one for the adults and separate gifts for kids. Or only gift the kids.

Now that you have a Cruise Meet thread started, and some people who have expressed an interest in participating in a Fish Extender exchange, it's up to one of you to be the contact point.

Setting up FE group

It appears there are a number of you who are interested in a Fish Extender group. There isn't one currently set up here on DISboards. Here's a little write up on how FE groups are set up:

There really are no "rules" as to how a FE program runs. Basically someone maintains the list of those who wish to participate. The group can decide on what information is necessary to produce FE gifts. A basic list may only have DISname/room number/number of people in the room. A more involved list could be first & last names/ages/room number/favorite character/favorite color/allergies/whatever is deemed necessary to know. Also a decision can be made as to size of FE. Some groups break out the list(s) at 10-15 rooms max, so that there are multiple lists (and some people will participate in more than one list). Other groups just make one big list (upwards of 20-30 rooms).

At some point the list will "close". Typically this happens 30-45 days out from the cruise, so that everyone participating has time to organize/prepare their gifts. Shortly before this time (about 2-3 weeks prior) the organizer will either post the list (usually via a conversation is best, as that's more private), or directly on the Cruise Meet thread, to confirm everyone on it is still participating. It’s important to make a statement about"anyone not confirming by XX date will be dropped"at this time. A little harsh, yes, but often there are people who will post on the cruise meet thread as soon as the reserve the cruise and say “I want to participate”, and are never heard from again.

Once the list closes, the organizer will post the final list. Also, a decision must be made as to whether to allow late additions. Sometimes there is a "pixie dust" list. That is, basically, a latecomers list that gets posted about a week out from the cruise that others may or may not add to their "final" list. Be sure the "pixie dust" list participants realize they may or may not get gifts from others, but are expected to provide gifts for the other FE participants anyway.

The other "biggie" is no other social media sites are allowed to be linked or search directions posted as to how find that other site here on DISboards. Please read this:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/im...uise-meet-and-fish-extender-programs.3353477/


I will also note, to participate in conversations, everyone needs to have at least 10 posts. For those who wish to use this option for private conversations and don't have 10 posts yet, head over to the Test board to post and up your post count.http://www.disboards.com/forums/test-board.88/

Up to 20 people can participate in any given conversation.

 

[Reporterbev]

Thank you for your help. Excited to get the FE group going

 

[Reporterbev]

Hi -- I will volunteer to maintain the Fish Extender list for our April 27, 2016 Disney Wonder cruise. All interested either post directly on this thread with your info or send a private conversation, or you can email me directly at reporterbev@gmail.com to get added to the list and we will go from there! Looking forward to April 27 - going to be a great FE cruise! Bev.

 

[Reporterbev]

I am new to this forum and my family and I have booked this cruise and it will be our first! Is this the place where we find groups for the fish extenders? Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I posted below about the FE. Hope to see lots join

 

[Reporterbev]

I was wondering the same thing. Did you ever find it?

I posted some info below on the FE for this cruise. Hope to have lots join in on the fun

 

[Reporterbev]

I also want to join the extender group. I have a 12 year old and a 5 year old. This is my first Disney cruise.

I posted below. Hope to see lots join in on our FE fun

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I posted some info below

I believe that would actually be "above" ?

 

[Judi Case]

Hi...just joined the group and we are taking our third cruise, though have never participated in the fish extender. Would love to though!!! We have two older children (turning 13 on the cruise and 11).

 

[Judi Case]

I was wondering the same thing. Did you ever find it?

Me too...love the idea...what do we do now?!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi...just joined the group and we are taking our third cruise, though have never participated in the fish extender. Would love to though!!! We have two older children (turning 13 on the cruise and 11).

Me too...love the idea...what do we do now?!

See post #30.

 

[Judi Case]

Hi -- I will volunteer to maintain the Fish Extender list for our April 27, 2016 Disney Wonder cruise. All interested either post directly on this thread with your info or send a private conversation, or you can email me directly at reporterbev@gmail.com to get added to the list and we will go from there! Looking forward to April 27 - going to be a great FE cruise! Bev.

We would like to join the FE fun...I can help a bit if needed.

 

[Reporterbev]

Me too...love the idea...what do we do now?!

Excited to have you join in!

 

[Sunny Fl.]

Has anybody expressed interest in leading the fish extender group? I am really interested and don't want to miss it.