General Differences Between UK and America

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.