General Phrase And Language Differences Between UK and USA
Guide 21-Feb-2017
I will never forget the very first time I went to Walt Disney World I ordered a "Meatball Sub and Chips" from 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. 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 Walt Disney World (or America in general). We had some help from our lovely followers on Facebook with this list.
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
Closure date(E.G Jan 23rd)
The day before(E.G Jan 23rd)
Other Notable Differences
Americans 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 through, over, and under them easily for some reason.
There is no ground floor! The ground floor is always level 1.
Americans drive on the other (wrong) side of the road. Take's some getting used.
Driving isn't too bad as there isn't a lot of roundabouts in America, just a lot of traffic light junctions.
You can turn right 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.
A Holiday is called a vacation (they call days like Christmas "Holidays").
Disney call their staff members - Cast members.
There's a few words spelled the same (or similar) but pronounced differently - such as Caribbean and aluminium.
They add sales tax (around 6%) at the till. So every price sticker you see, you'll actually pay around 6% more for it. That sort of thing is illegal here in the UK!
Welcome to a magical world that swings, slides and rocket-rides your mood until you start to feel a little more... you. Welcome to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Welcome back to being you.
... Read more >
While we don't tend to report on offers that aren't available for us Brits, this is an interesting one. The offers that us Brits get for Walt Disney World tend to be different than what the US gu... Read more >
Virgin Atlantic has unfortunately now followed suit with most of the industry and now charging customers to select the seats they want. This will result in much more expensive flights if you and ... Read more >
Luminous: The Symphony of Us will debut at EPCOT on December 5th, 2023. This means that EPCOT Forever's last showing will be on December 4th, 2023.
Read more >
For the Brits who enjoy visiting Disneyland Paris, the EU Version of ESTA - named ETIAS - was originally slated to be launched in 2023, but was subsequently delayed in into 2024. Now, sources at ... Read more >
The Walt Disney World guest boat that travels between the Magic Kingdom area resorts is returning October 1st, 2023.
All aboard! 🛥️ Guests at Walt Disney World will once again be able to... Read more >
Disneyland Paris has announced that the new Halloween festival will begin October 1st and run through November 5th, 2023. The full press release is below.
Disneyland Paris Booking Guide
If yo... Read more >
Disney has today announced that the gold Walt Disney World 50th statues situated across the Walt Disney World theme parks will be sticking around a little longer! Disney will be removing the 50th... Read more >
In a new SEC filing, The Walt Disney Company disclosed a 10-year plan to "expand and enhance" its domestic and international parks, and cruise line capacity. Nearly double the amount spent in the... Read more >
Disneyland Paris and McDonald's have announced a new location will be constructed to host a new restaurant at Disney Village, Disneyland Paris.
Work on the new restaurant will begin in Septem... Read more >