Hayden Rudd

Hi! I'm Hayden Rudd a chemistry major at Furman, and I just finished my freshman year. I'm from Pinehurst, North Carolina. So far, I've been to Disney World three times before. My family went when I was six and then again when I was eleven, and over spring break this year I was able to use my annual pass for this class to go for one day with Kate (also in this class).

Math

I've always loved math, especially seeing how math can be applied to the world we live in. When I heard about this class, I immediately wanted to go! Not only am I fascinated by practical applications of math, but I also love amusement parks. Being from North Carolina, I had a season pass to Carowinds during high school and went any chance I got. My friends and I became very strategic about which rides we would hit at different times of the day, always trying to be as efficient as possible. Now I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to develop a network model of Disney. Making this model and working to determine optimal routes through the park is probably the part of the class that I'm looking forward to the most.

Food

Of course, one of the most important parts of any trip is where you eat. Since I'm gluten-free, my options will be somewhat limited, but Disney works to offer plenty of options for people with food allergies (check out www.allergyfreemouse.com). One place I definitely want to visit is the Gardens Kiosk in Animal Kingdom; this is a food cart designed specifically for people with dietary restrictions. The Gardens Kiosk has gluten-feee granola bars, chips, cookies, and even cupcakes, so I am excited to stop there while we are in Animal Kingdom. The next place I want to visit is the Toy Story Pizza Planet in Hollywood Studios. The Toy Story movies are some of my favorite, and Pizza Planet has Amy's gluten free pizzas. Another dining spot I want to hit is the Lotus Blossom Cafe in Epcot because they have mango smoothies. It's going to be pretty hot in Florida, so I'm preparing myself by scoping out places to get cold treats!

Attractions

Even with the wonderful, and gluten free, food options at Disney, we all know the real reason to go… the rides! The first roller coaster I ever rode, and the one that made me fall in love with roller coasters is Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom. Because of this, Space Mountain is always one of the first rides I go to at Disney. But my favorite Disney ride is Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom. I still remember when it was first built and the Disney Channel would play commercials showing Disney stars riding it. When I was eleven and visiting Disney for the second time I couldn't wait to ride it. The shock that you have from the first time you ride it can never be duplicated, but it still gives me an adrenaline rush every time. Along with the many great classics, there are some newer attractions that I'm looking forward to as well. In Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Midway Mania is a ride with a shooting game that I experienced for the first time this March. I really enjoyed how it was interactive, and I can't wait to do it again. I also want to do Agent P's World Showcase Adventure in Epcot, which is a series of different interactive "missions" that require "agents" to find clues across Epcot. Who wouldn't want to do a scavenger hunt in Disney World?

Where Dreams Come True

Whether it's the incredible rides, great and varied cuisine, or reliving childhood memories, I know this is going to be a magical and mathematical May Experience!