Realityland's David Koenig

Thousands of guests packed the Disneyland Resort just after noon last Friday, hoping to catch a glimpse of the space shuttle Endeavour during its final flight. The most popular vantage points appeared to be the esplanade between the two parks, the top floor of the parking structure, and the hub—based on the assumption that in front of the iconic castle is always the default prime viewing location.

Unfortunately, numerous guests in the latter position were disappointed to discover the shuttle never directly flew over the castle. The shuttle and its carrier plane instead passed over the west side of the park, allowing the NASA photographer to capture the castle in his official shot of the flyover.

Although the route made for a terrific photo, it equally disappointed some Team Disney Anaheim executives, who were hoping to gain a little publicity for Disney California Adventure.
To make matters worse, most of the news coverage referred to the shuttle flying over “Disneyland,” not the “Disneyland Resort.” (KABC was one of the few news outlets to mention “Resort.”)

On the ground, however, most cast members and guests appeared thrilled, cheering as the Endeavour soared overhead.