Disney Imagineering’s Creative Director, Kim Irvine, has stirred up debate among Disney enthusiasts following her remarks about the latest alterations to Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, as reported in the LA Times.
The latest revamp in the attraction’s iconic attic bride narrative now aligns better with the original tale, portraying a mourning widow instead of the earlier violent “Black Widow” persona. Instead of viewing this alteration as an homage to Disney’s rich history, Irvine, a veteran Imagineer and daughter of Haunted Mansion visionary Leota Toombs (Madame Leota), justified the new scene as a reflection of contemporary sensitivities.
Previously, the bride in question was actually an axe murderer, and nowadays it’s crucial to consider the feelings of others,” Irvine explained to the LA Times. “We were essentially commemorating a woman who had beheaded her husband, which was quite peculiar. I understand that some fans will appreciate this twist while others might complain about yet another change. However, that’s what we’re here for – to keep things interesting.
Additionally, it was disclosed that Disney might be planning to take down the swinging figure in the elongation chamber of the Haunted Mansion, due to shared worries about contemporary sensitivity issues.
People promptly grasped onto Irvine’s remarks, seeing them as further evidence that contemporary innovation is prioritizing political correctness over creativity.
Joshua Harris, a regular contributor to “That Park Place” and an expert in Disney history, issued a harsh criticism.
It brings me no joy to announce that it’s time for Kim Irvine, the revered figure of WDI’s “Crown Princess,” to step down from her public duties.
Over the past ten years, there have been numerous instances where I’ve disagreed with her behavior, but this latest incident takes the cake as the most unacceptable display.
NO, Kim your job is NOT to change things, but to PLUS THEM.…
— Joshua L Harris (@JLHomni) January 18, 2025
I find it regrettable to express this sentiment, but I believe it’s now appropriate for the esteemed Kim Irvine of WDI’s ‘Crown Princess’ to step away from her public service. Over the past decade, there have been instances where I’ve taken issue with certain actions of hers. However, her recent conduct has reached a level that is truly alarming. I must say, Kim, your role isn’t about alteration, but rather enhancement – a lesson I believe you might have overlooked or perhaps forgotten in the midst of expressing modernist philosophies.
The teachings of your father, Harvey Toombs, your mother, Leota Toombs, and your mentor, John Hench, instilled principles that I hope are still resonating within you. If not, it may be time to disassociate yourself from the destructive administration that Iger represents.
Others took to social media to express their frustration.
In simpler terms, Kim Irvine implied that they aimed to redesign the attic bride scene to better align with the original designers’ vision. Her omission of this straightforward statement leaves me concerned about other elements potentially being altered as well.
— Brandon Starr (@BrandonStarrArt) January 17, 2025
Brandon Starr pointed out that instead of saying ‘We aimed to redesign the attic bride scene to better reflect the original Imagineering team’s vision,’ Kim Irvine spoke extensively. This has left Brandon with concerns about other elements potentially being changed as well.
He wasn’t alone in these feelings.
Through my experiences, Kim Irvine has been perceived as an old-school imagineer, preserving her mother’s tradition. However, this recent interview has significantly challenged that perception.
or
Kim Irvine was known to me as a traditional imagineer, continuing in her mother’s footsteps. But this interview has drastically changed my viewpoint.
— stella (@queenie_eye64) January 18, 2025
Stella, an X-user, had long viewed Kim Irvine as a traditional Imagineer, carrying on her mother’s work. However, after this interview, she’s found that perception shattered.
Perhaps most biting was the critique from an X user called That One Guy.
Kim Irvine insists on scrubbing every last trace of Disney’s fun and magic. There’s always someone who takes offense, always someone who gets upset. In truth, it’s impossible to create a meaningful attraction when you’re constantly trying to avoid offending everyone on the planet.
— That One Guy (@Tommyboy186) January 18, 2025
Kim Irvine appears determined to eliminate any trace of Disney’s delight, as stated. He mentioned that there’s always someone who finds offense or gets upset about something. It seems nearly impossible to create a valuable attraction when one is attempting to avoid offending every individual globally.
The uproar about Irvine’s remarks arises during a time of increasing worry that Imagineering might be losing its creative flair. Fans believe that contemporary Imagineers prioritize signaling virtue and avoiding disputes over improving guests’ experiences. This opinion was intensified by another recent controversy surrounding the Haunted Mansion Carriage House gift shop, which is also Kim Irvine’s project.
Furthermore, it was uncovered that the novel fountain in Mansion’s queue was bought as a ready-made product online. Moreover, the Carriage House design appeared to be constructed using a premade kit, lacking any unique architectural elements.
Spectators unveiled the fact that the art on display was computer-made, leading Irvine to argue that it was merely a short-term solution.
Irvine expressed his puzzlement to the Los Angeles Times, wondering how fans manage to spot a single item amidst all the exciting merchandise.
Irvine explained that the imagineering team thought it was momentarily suitable until they could replace it with something else, not with any ill intentions. What was there has been removed, and we’re going to insert a new piece, painted by hand, just like the others.
Despite having a strong connection with Disney through Irvine’s past, some fans believe that her recent mistakes should not be overlooked due to this background. Many view her statements as symbolizing a bigger problem within Imagineering: the tendency to prioritize contemporary tastes over the daring imagination that made Disney famous.
The modifications made to the Haunted Mansion have sparked doubts among many fans regarding the creative path taken by Walt Disney Imagineering. Being one of Disney’s iconic attractions, the Haunted Mansion has consistently managed to blend an unsettling allure with a touch of whimsy and humor. However, as Irvine and others advocate for the removal of elements such as the hanging man, fans are concerned that not only the attraction itself, but also Imagineering in its entirety, may be losing its unique identity and essence.
Instead of innovating and creating imaginative adventures, some people argue that Imagineering has moved towards being responsive, focusing more on preventing criticism than nurturing the daring visionaries who characterized Disney’s golden era. Whether or not the updated Haunted Mansion bride is an improvement, Irvine’s remarks have convinced many that Disney’s priorities have changed – and not for the best.
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2025-01-22 22:55