A New Honor for Two Imagineering Icons
If you have ever taken a slow stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland, you know that the windows above the shops aren’t just for decoration. They serve as a permanent Hall of Fame for the people who built the magic. On April 21, 2026, a brand-new window was dedicated to two of the most influential figures in the history of Walt Disney Imagineering: Kim Irvine and her mother, Leota Toombs. This ceremony marks a historic milestone as the first-ever mother-daughter window display in the park’s history.
The timing of the dedication is especially meaningful. Kim Irvine, the Executive Creative Director of the Walt Disney Imagineering Anaheim office, officially retired in 2025. Her retirement coincided with the landmark 70th anniversary of Disneyland Park, a place she spent more than five decades protecting and enhancing. The new window is located on the facade of Crystal Arts, sitting just above the store’s main signage.
Summoning the Spirits of Creativity
The design of a Main Street window always reflects the specific contributions of the person it honors. For Kim and Leota, the theme is a perfect nod to their connection to the Haunted Mansion. The window advertises the ‘Crystal Ball Glass Co.’ and features the clever tagline: ‘Summoning the spirits of creativity…on windows, doors and…regions beyond!’
This is a direct tribute to Leota Toombs, a Disney Legend whose face is immortalized as Madame Leota in the Haunted Mansion’s Seance Circle. She also provided the face and voice for the ‘Ghostess’ (Little Leota) who reminds guests to ‘hurry back’ at the end of the ride. Kim Irvine later carried on this legacy by stepping into her mother’s role to provide the projection and voice for Madame Leota during the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay that takes over the attraction each fall.
The Caretakers of Walt’s Vision
Kim Irvine’s impact on Disneyland is hard to overstate. She started her career in 1970 as a model builder, working on projects for both Disneyland and the then-unopened Walt Disney World Resort. Over the years, she transitioned into a leadership role where she oversaw the color styling and exterior design for nearly every corner of the park. Kim often spoke about the responsibility of ‘nurturing’ the park, famously stating that the guests are the ones who truly own Disneyland, while Imagineers are simply the caretakers.
Under the guidance of legends like John Hench and Marty Sklar, Kim helped establish the first Imagineering office in Anaheim back in 1979. Her work ensured that even as the park modernized, it never lost the specific aesthetic and ‘vibe’ that Walt Disney originally intended. Seeing her name alongside her mother’s is a fitting tribute to a family that has quite literally shaped the way we see the ‘Happiest Place on Earth.’
Planning Your Visit to See the Window
The next time you’re visiting Disneyland Park, make sure to add a ‘window hunt’ to your itinerary. Here is how you can find this specific tribute:
- Location: Head to the east side of Main Street, U.S.A. (the right side as you walk toward the castle).
- The Shop: Look for the Crystal Arts shop. The window is located on the second story directly above the shop entrance.
- The Details: Look for the stained glass flowers flanking the sign. The gold leaf lettering is easiest to see during the afternoon when the sun hits the facade.
These windows are considered the ‘Oscar’ of the Disney world. To receive one, an individual must be retired, have reached the highest level of service, and have their contribution agreed upon by both the park’s leadership and Walt Disney Imagineering. Seeing the names of Leota Toombs and Kim Irvine joined together is a beautiful reminder of the generational talent that keeps the parks running.
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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