English in the parks - help

ppete1975

Well-Known Member
I agree, they need to do like Americans do (or should do), study what is culturally acceptable behavior...
I've been to the parks many times when there was Brazilian tour group kids.. They certainly don't show the Brazilian culture in a good light, and I do realize they are spoiled rich kids.

Americans are extremely forgiving and patient when it comes to language, but not behavior...
I agree but id like to point all cultures are like this. We are odd ducks when we go to other countries (phrase rude americans), I think it would behoove any nationality to be quiet, observe, then mimic (that certainly includes us in other countries), research helps as well as tourists usually get taken in by scams (roman string trick anyone), luckily I cant come up with any of those for the American parks, they are very safe.
 

dieboy

Active Member
I just want to throw this out there, thanks for learning a bit. I'm heading to EU (various countries) next summer and plan to learn the basics of each country very well. I feel its considerate, giving how easy it is to get resources to learn something now days.

I would say everyone's suggestions are probably the best. Stick with those, and good luck and have fun!
 

carolahmed

New Member
Original Poster
One other thing for which the OP's friends might want to have English answers ready: "Are you on the Dining Plan?" (This will be asked by cashiers and restaurant servers whenever they are ordering food and beverages). Also, teaching them to recognize the words and symbols for "Standby" ride entrances and "Fastpass"/"FP+" entrances (and even phrases like, "is this the end of the line?") will help them avoid any confusion about which line to enter or where to wait, as the queue entrances are often right next to one another, and during time of heavy crowds, temporary queues are often set up which can extend back beyond the marked entrance (usually with a cast member at the very back, holding up a tall sign that says something like, "End of Line').

Other than that, it just comes down to common courtesy -- some non-language related tips would be: obey directions from cast members (Disney employees) and ask for clarification if you don't know what they're telling you to do, avoid engaging in loud or distracting behavior while on attractions or at shows, don't litter, at counter service restaurants clean up the table and take care of trays/trash when you've finished eating, etc. Also, I believe the tipping customs here are similar to Brazil: we usually tip anyone who handles our luggage for us ($1-$2/bag), servers at table service restaurants (~20%, unless the gratuity is already included in the price, as with the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue dinner show - if it's included, that information will be clearly indicated when you make your restaurant reservation), hotel housekeeping ($1-$2 per person in the room, per day), and cab drivers/rideshare drivers (15-20%, unless the gratuity has already been included in the price).

I believe the My Disney Experience app (which has maps, wait times and other tools, and can be used to organize and modify dining reservations and Fastpasses) can be used in a number of different languages, and might also be a handy tool for gathering information, finding nearby restrooms or dining venues, etc.
I Love this! Thanks! It was very helpful.
 

Minnie1976

Well-Known Member
Hello everyone
I came here to look for help regarding English language in the Parks. Im from Brazil and a lot of Brazilian people always come to Orlando without speaking or understanding anything in English. So i would like to help some of them who are my friends and family. I tried to teach them the basic, like asking for help or directions. But i was wondering, what sentences or questions would help A LOT both guests and cast members if they'd knew before going there? What are some of the most important things to know that would make it easier for everybody?

Thanks!
They are probably all coming with phones. There are apps to translate.
 

carolahmed

New Member
Original Poster
They are probably all coming with phones. There are apps to translate.
They want to learn. They asked me for help because they used to be my students. But i was years ago and this is something more specific. I already told them basic stuff like hello, thanks, excuse me, im sorry, where's the... what time is... but im trying to think of specific things you hear or speak in the Parks.
 

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