A New Legacy on Main Street, U.S.A.
Early on the morning of April 21, 2026, a rare and magical moment took place at Disneyland Park that will be remembered for decades to come. Disney has officially honored retired Imagineer Kim Irvine and her mother, the late Disney Legend Leota Toombs, with a joint window dedication on Main Street, U.S.A. This is a monumental occasion because it marks the first time in the history of the park that a mother and daughter have been recognized together with this prestigious honor.
The dedication ceremony was held before the park opened to the public, featuring speeches from Disneyland Resort President Jill Estorino and fellow Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald. The event was filled with nostalgic energy, including a performance by the Dapper Dans and a special appearance by Mickey Mouse. Most notably, in a nod to the family’s deep connection to the Haunted Mansion, Madame Leota herself “materialized” to help cast a spell over the morning’s festivities.
The Design of the Irvine-Toombs Window
You can find this new piece of history located just above the Crystal Arts shop on the right side of Main Street as you walk toward the castle. The window is themed around the fictional “Crystal Ball Glass Co.,” a direct tribute to Leota Toombs’ iconic role as the face and voice of Madame Leota in the crystal ball within the Haunted Mansion.
The window reads: “Summoning the spirits of creativity… on windows, doors, and… regions beyond!” Below the names of Leota Toombs and Kim Irvine, the window identifies them as “Artists, Glaziers, Design Mediums.” It is a perfectly fitting tribute that blends the Victorian aesthetic of Main Street with the supernatural legacy these two women helped create for the park.
Why This Matters for Imagineering Fans
Kim Irvine’s impact on the Disneyland Resort cannot be overstated. Before her retirement in 2025, she served as the Executive Creative Director of the Walt Disney Imagineering Anaheim office. For over 50 years, she was the primary guardian of Walt’s original park, overseeing the design, color styling, and refurbishments of landmarks like Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Haunted Mansion, and the Club 33 expansion.
While many guests know Leota Toombs for her voice in the Haunted Mansion, Kim has also carried that torch by providing the face and voice for Madame Leota during the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay. This window represents more than just a name on glass; it represents over half a century of dedication to the “care and nurturing” of the park guests love. It’s also a precursor to another major honor, as Kim Irvine is set to be officially named a Disney Legend at the D23 Expo in August 2026.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland soon, here’s how to make the most of this new update:
- Look Up: The window is easy to miss if you’re rushing toward the castle. Take a moment to stop near the Crystal Arts shop and look at the second-story windows.
- Photography Tip: For the best light on the window, try to snap your photo in the early afternoon when the sun hits the east side of the street.
- Pair with a Ride: After viewing the window, head over to New Orleans Square to see Kim and Leota’s work in person at the Haunted Mansion. If you’re using Lightning Lane Multi Pass, this is often a great choice for your first or second selection of the day.
The Continuing Legacy
Seeing the names of Kim Irvine and Leota Toombs alongside the other giants of Disney history—like Mary Blair and Marc Davis—is a reminder of the human hands that build the magic. As Kim herself has noted, the Imagineers are just the caretakers, while the guests truly own the park. This new window ensures that the Irvine-Toombs legacy will remain a permanent part of that stewardship forever.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.
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