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.
(Keep scrolling down for the table)
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.
Disney has announced today that the beloved Splash Mountain attraction will be closing on January 2rd, 2023. Throughout the 2023 and an unannounced period of time in 2024, the Splash Mountain... Read more >
It's no secret that Disney Village at Disneyland Paris needs to some TLC, and Disney is giving it just that! A little while ago Disney announced the huge transformation of Disney Village, and tod... Read more >
We recently sailed on the Disney Wish (which we will be publishing reviews soon) and couldn't be more disappointed with how the photo system works on Disney Cruises. On the Halloween night, we go... Read more >
For those who don't know, Disney's Caribbean Beach had a selection of pirate-themed rooms at the resort. These special themed rooms were created because they were at the back of the resort and ga... Read more >
Capital D is reporting (Via Scott Gustin) that the "Global Dream" ship - the partially complete cruise ship Disney Cruise Line purchased - was acquired for only €40million Euros. The initial ... Read more >
Disneyland Paris has announced the "Disneyland Paris Pride" event night will take place on June 17th, 2023, and tickets are now available.
Celebrate diversity at Disneyland Paris on 17 June 20... Read more >
Yesterday, Bob Iger attended a town hall meeting with cast members to give some insight on some of his plans as he returns to the CEO role. Here are some tidbits from the town hall meeting:
Ex-C... Read more >
Just as I was praising the 15 Euro meal deal at the Pizza Outpost, Disney has gone and increased the prices and gutted some of these meal options. Many quick-service meals have increased by 1 or ... Read more >
Last week the Walt Disney Company board of directors fired Bob Chapek and brought back Bob Iger as CEO. Today, Bob Iger has tweeted expressing his gratitude and excitement to be back as CEO of th... Read more >
In 2023, Disney Cruise Line will celebrate their 25th anniversary dubbed "Silver Anniversary at Sea". There will be special entertainment, merchandise, and celebratory experiences during select... Read more >
