A Legacy Etched in Glass
For any Imagineer, there is no higher honor than seeing your name painted on a window along Main Street, U.S.A. It is the theme park equivalent of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but far more exclusive. This week, Disneyland officially recognized one of its most influential creative forces as Kim Irvine received her very own window above Crystal Arts.
The dedication ceremony took place early in the morning before the park opened to the public. It was a star-studded affair for Disney fans, featuring Disneyland Resort President Jill Estorino and legendary Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald. In a special nod to Irvine’s deep connection with the Haunted Mansion, the Dapper Dans were joined by a rare live appearance of Madame Leota to celebrate the occasion.
Honoring Fifty Years of Magic
Kim Irvine’s impact on Disneyland is hard to overstate. After more than five decades with Walt Disney Imagineering, she retired in 2025 during the park’s 70th anniversary year. As the Executive Creative Director of the Anaheim office, she didn’t just work on the park; she lived it. Her fingerprints are on nearly every corner of the Disneyland Resort, from intricate color styling to the interior design of beloved attractions.
Irvine’s story is also a family legacy. She is the daughter of Harvey Toombs, a classic Disney animator, and Leota Toombs, the Imagineer whose face became the iconic Madame Leota in the Haunted Mansion. Kim herself has carried that torch, even appearing as the face of Madame Leota for various park updates over the years. The new window reflects this heritage perfectly, with an inscription that reads: “Summoning the spirits of creativity on windows, doors, and regions beyond!”
Why This Matters for Your Next Trip
For those planning a visit to Disneyland in 2026, finding this window is a must for any history buff. You can find it located on the second story just above the Crystal Arts shop. It is a beautiful tribute to someone who spent her life making sure the park felt like home for millions of guests.
The celebration of Kim Irvine’s career isn’t over yet. While the window is a permanent fixture, she is also set to be officially named a Disney Legend at the D23 Expo in Anaheim later this summer. The event, known as The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, is scheduled for August 14th through 16th, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center. Tickets are currently available for those who want to see Irvine and other icons receive the company’s highest individual honor.
Planning Pro-Tips for Main Street Explorers
- Look Up: Most of the best history at Disneyland happens above eye level. Take a moment to scan the windows on the second floors of Main Street buildings to see names like Walt Disney, Ub Iwerks, and now, Kim Irvine.
- Visit the Mansion: Since Irvine’s legacy is so tied to the Haunted Mansion, a ride through the Séance Circle is the perfect way to pay respects to the family that gave the attraction its
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