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General Differences Between UK and America
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There are some word and culture differences when visiting Disney World, USA. See our guide for the biggest differences to watch out for that you might run into at Disney World.
I will never forget the very first time I went to Disney World I excitedly ordered a "Meatball Sub and Chips" off the menu - it sounded like a safe yet very "American" meal. What I wasn't expecting was a bag of ready salted CRISPS on my plate! I was so confused I couldn't even bring myself to ask if they made a mistake. So to save you from any uncomfortable or confusing moments, we've complied a list of some of the general differences you'll run into at Disney World. We had some help from our lovely followers on Facebook with this list, too.
| English Words | American Words |
| Autumn | Fall |
| Car Park | Parking lot |
| Driving license | Driver's license |
| Crisps | Chips |
| Chips | (French) Fries |
| Candy floss | Cotton candy |
| Pop/Coke etc | Soda |
| Bum Bag | Fanny pack |
| Holiday | Vacation |
| Toilets | Restroom |
| Bill | Cheque (but spelled check) |
| Pavement | Sidewalk |
| Motorway | Highway |
| Car boot | Trunk |
| Car bonnet | Hood |
| Hire a car | Rent a car |
| Motorway | Interstate |
| Toll-Free Roads | Freeway |
| Tolled Roads | Highway |
| Toll Gate | Turnpike |
| Indicators | Blinkers |
| Trousers | Pants |
| Jumpers | Sweaters |
| Rubbish | Trash |
| Bin | Trash Can |
| Panda eyes | Raccoon eyes |
| Queue | Line |
| Gherkins | Pickles |
| Savoury Scone | Biscuit |
| Single cream | Half and half |
| Jelly | Jello |
| Jam | Jelly |
| Sweets | Candy |
| Post a letter | Mail a letter |
| Lifts | Elevators |
| Taxi | Cabs |
| Shopping centre | Mall |
| Ground floor | First floor |
| Mobile phone | Cell phone |
Other Differences
They don't tend to use words such as "fortnight". They say every 2 weeks (effort, right?).
Some Americans don't understand if you say the time is "Half 8". They would say "8:30".
Toilets don't seem to flush, they just suck all the water out (like a vortex), it's very bizarre.
Toilet cubicles aren't from floor to ceiling like here in the UK, you can see over and under them easily (for some reason).
There is no ground floor! It will go level 1, 2, 3 etc.
Americans drive on the other (wrong) side of the road. Take's some getting used.
There isn't a lot of roundabouts in America, just a lot of traffic light junctions.
You can turn on a red light (by giving way, oncoming traffic have priority) unless there are signs saying you can't.
If you ask for a pint of beer (other than at the Rose and Crown in Epcot) you'll get a 16oz size drink, not a 20oz pint.
Holiday's are called vacation (they call days like Christmas Holidays). So if they ask how your vacation is, they mean holiday.
Disney call their staff members - Cast members.
There's a few words spelt the same or similar but pronounced differently - such as Caribbean and aluminium but when you hear it you'll work out what they mean and vice versa!
The currency is Dollars! The notes are easy enough to use but the coins take a bit of getting used to. All the cast members are used to it so don't be afraid to ask for help if you need some.
They add the sales tax (around 6%) at the till not on the price tag, so when you get to the till expect to pay a little more than the price sticker shows.
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