Okay friends - I have received several PM's regarding participation in the FE exhange, some with questions because they have never participated before. So I thought it a good idea to post a simple explanation for those first timers. Fish extenders are pocketed fabric hangers that "extend" the fish mail box on the outside of each stateroom. Most people purchase theirs custom on Ebay or from Etsy (I did this for about $20 and love it!). More crafty people other than me, can make them easily themselves. It is hung over your fish on the first day and then throughout the cruise participants leave gifts and trinkets in the pockets. Some people are elaborate with a few of their gifts on one day only (ie embroidered items, mini scrapbooks etc.) Others leave alot of inexpensive items on many days (ie dollar store items, oriental trading company). On the last cruise I made marshmallow shooters for the boys, princess totes with many girlie goodies for the young girls, made custom jewelry for the ladies, and gave a homemade barbeque rub to the men since we were from Kansas City it seemed appropriate. Additionally since it was a "Double Dip" cruise to
Castaway Cay I gave everyone a gift certificate to Cold Stone Creamery. Some people personalize their gifts for the cruise by obtaining specially designed graphics from the graphics thread on the DIS which our group did with Mickey holding an ice cream cone with two scoops as an example.
As far as the organization is concerned, I will keep a tally of names, ages and staterooms and I will post a preliminary list here in the next day or so and keep adding names of those who want to participate. The one caveat is some people have room guarantees and others will try to obtain upgrades the day of sailing. In the past, usually you have a stateroom number before sailing with a guarantee when you receive documents especially when the ship is this empty. For those who receive upgrades once we board, I hope we can meet briefly before the sail away party and meet, get to know each other, have a quick drink, than update the list of names with any stateroom changes. Those participating should print the "FINAL" list of names and stateroom numbers prior to sailing and bring it onboard so they know where to deposit their gifts.
I will post the "FINAL" list on October 14 as previously mentioned so that everyone can pack and not be trying to find last minute gifts days before sailing as has happened to me in rather unorganized FE's in the past.
For those first timers, I have included a link to a rather extensive thread on FE's from someone elses cruise which you might find helpful, but also do a forum search with key words "fish extender" and you will see plenty of helpful threads and tips to get you started.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1980639&highlight=fish+extender
There is no rhyme or reason to how the gifts are distributed...its more like a secret santa. Whenever you and your family find the free time to run through the ship delivering gifts to peoples staterooms is how it works. Because my family did bigger more costly gifts we delivered on one day only and were done. Other familys distributed something to each stateroom each day which my kids just loved because it was like a stuffed stocking everyday. Sometimes we would have stuff when we woke up, after we got back from an excursion, or after the evening show. It was in a word...AWESOME....and by far one of my favorite things about cruising with Disney other than Castaway Cay!
I have never had to worry about people taking stuff from the fish extenders yet and have never heard of peoples gifts being lifted but I guess its a possibility. I have had people zip tie their gifts to the FE or the door handle for added protection but don't think it is necessary.
Well thats all I can think of regarding FE 101 for now, but don't hesitate to ask questions as they present. I can' wait... even if we have just a few groups it will be "WONDERful"!
Tara
Just remember to send me updates to your stateroom numbers. Also, don't worry about breaking down the FE info; once Oct 1st rolls around I will send everyone a Word document with names and stateroom #s. Hope everyone is starting to be as excited as me! 
it's getting silly....
I'm so grateful I told mine too! Now they get to share in the excitement.
Hmmmm! That would be fun!! 
