Kim Irvine, a vital figure at Walt Disney Imagineering for more than fifty years, recently retired, signifying the conclusion of an epoch in the history of the creative force behind the enchanting experiences offered by Disney’s theme parks.
In her role as a long-time employee with strong connections to Disney’s rich history, Irvine’s career has been marked by both acclaimed accomplishments and contentious choices, sparking ongoing discussions among fans and commentators regarding her influence on the theme parks.
Closing a chapter for a family deeply connected to Disney’s creative legacy, her retirement comes after she was part of a lineage that includes her mother, Leota Toombs, an imagineer, and father, Harvey Toombs, an animator at Disney. Additionally, her father-in-law, Dick Irvine, held the position of first executive vice president and COO for WED Enterprises (now known as Walt Disney Imagineering).
Leota Toombs, a renowned Imagineer, made an indelible impact on Disney’s Haunted Mansion. She contributed her likeness for Madame Leota in the séance room scene and her voice to “Little Leota” at the ride’s conclusion. However, it was Eleanor Audley who provided the main voice for Madame Leota.
Kim Irvine continued a family tradition by taking on the roles of model for Madame Leota in Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland and as a maid in the 2021 Muppets Haunted Mansion special. Since she joined Imagineering in 1970, she climbed up the ranks to become the executive creative director and head of concept design, helping to create some of Disneyland’s most memorable attractions.
Irvine’s collection showcases several prestigious endeavors, each contributing significantly to the enjoyment of Disneyland.
She played a significant role in renovating Sleeping Beauty Castle, revitalizing King Arthur Carrousel, and reinventing Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. Her modifications to It’s a Small World brought beloved Disney characters into the classic ride, creating a delightful fusion of nostalgia and modern charm.
In my opinion, during her tenure, there were certainly some contentious moments, especially towards the end. For instance, the redesign of the Haunted Mansion queue and the adjacent Carriage House shop sparked quite a stir among fans. The shop, unfortunately, received criticism for its reliance on AI-generated artwork, mass-produced decorations, and what many called a generic building design. Practical issues also cropped up with this project.
Reports suggest that it experienced heavy flooding during a downpour, leading people to question its construction and planning. This has ignited discussions on whether Imagineering was compromising quality due to Irvine’s supervision.
A more straightforward rendering could be: The LA Times reported that Irvine’s remarks about updating The Haunted Mansion to suit current tastes were met with controversy.
In the attic setting, the character previously known as the “Black Widow,” was transformed into a mourning widow in order to align with the original plot of the attraction.
In today’s world, it’s essential to be mindful of people’s feelings, as Irvine pointed out. “We were telling a bizarre tale about someone beheading their spouse,” she said. However, the reaction among fans has been mixed, with some appreciating it and others expressing disapproval, such as, “You’ve changed things again.” But that’s what we do, she emphasized – we tell stories and adapt them to suit our audience.
It was confirmed by Irvine that the popular upside-down man scene in the stretching room of the Haunted Mansion might be taken out because it’s being reconsidered due to concerns about its appropriateness.
She informed the Los Angeles Times, “We’re continuing to examine it. It’s quite complex, structurally… One issue at a time.
1) Fans were worried and upset about the possibility of eliminating a distinctive, eerie aspect from this ride’s storyline, which contributes to its darkly comic tone. They believed that changes driven by identity politics, possibly inspired by Disney’s Stories Matter campaign, might threaten the attraction’s distinct character, as it may distance itself from the fanbase who appreciate the Haunted Mansion’s morbid humor.
Kim Irvine’s retirement coincides with Disney’s theme park division encountering growing scrutiny as they strive to harmoniously blend tradition and innovation. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions, ranging from enhancing timeless attractions to managing the intricacies of cultural updates, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to advancing Disneyland’s enchantment. However, her later decisions, especially regarding The Haunted Mansion, underscore the difficulties in modernizing cherished properties amidst an era marked by heightened social sensitivity.
Supporters continue to have differing opinions – some praise her for preserving the creative essence of Disney, while others debate if her last works veered too much away from the original spirit.
With Irvine leaving, there’s a moment of contemplation about what the future of Imagineering might hold. Will those taking over maintain her strategy of revamping attractions to appeal to contemporary visitors, or will they prioritize maintaining Disney’s timeless allure more heavily?
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2025-06-10 16:56