For fans of the Disney Parks, few things are more magical than the attractions that transport us into the worlds of ghosts, pirates, and singing dolls. But behind every enchanting ride and immersive detail is a creative mind making the magic real.
Disney Imagineers have long been the heart of that innovation, and this week, one of the most influential names in Imagineering history is stepping away after more than half a century of unforgettable contributions.
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Kim Irvine, a name deeply tied to both the Haunted Mansion and Imagineering legacy, is officially retiring after 55 years with The Walt Disney Company.
Her retirement is more than just a career milestone—it’s the closing of a chapter written by one of the rare families whose creative ties to Disney span multiple generations.
Irvine is the daughter of Disney animator Harvey Toombs, who worked on animated classics like Pinocchio (1940), Dumbo (1941), and Sleeping Beauty (1959). Her mother, Leota Toombs, provided the face and voice for Madame Leota in the Haunted Mansion and recorded the memorable line, “Hurry back… don’t forget your death certificate.”
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That legacy lived on through Kim, who began her Disney career in 1970 by painting model mockups, creating costume details, and preparing figures for the Enchanted Tiki Room. Over the decades, she moved into leadership roles, eventually serving as Director of Concept Design and Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering.
Haunted Mansion fans know Kim Irvine as the new voice of Madame Leota in the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay at Disneyland. Her tribute to her mother in that role cemented her status as Disney royalty. She even appeared in Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021), delighting long-time fans of the attraction.
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Her career touches nearly every corner of Disneyland. In addition to her work on the Haunted Mansion, she helped reimagine the Jungle Cruise, update scenes on the Rivers of America, and add inclusive new characters to “it’s a small world”. Her creative decisions blended respect for tradition with modern storytelling.
But Kim Irvine’s Disney story goes even deeper. She married into another influential Disney family—her father-in-law was Dick Irvine, Walt Disney’s right-hand man and the original executive VP and COO of WED Enterprises. That makes Kim a bridge between the company’s earliest days and its present.
In a company where design roles are often behind the curtain, Kim Irvine became a name fans knew and celebrated. Her contributions were rarely flashy, but always thoughtful—and always guided by Walt’s original vision.
Reports confirm that after more than five decades of creative excellence, she has officially retired. Tributes have poured in from Disney fans, fellow Imagineers, and park historians alike, all recognizing the enormous impact of her work and the legacy she leaves behind.
Now, as her time at Disney officially comes to a close, guests and fans are reflecting on the incredible impact she had. Whether through the floating face of Madame Leota or the subtle charm of a redesigned Jungle Cruise scene, Kim Irvine’s artistry will continue to live on in the parks she helped shape.
Which of Kim Irvine’s projects has stuck with you the most? What do you hope Disney does to honor her legacy? Share your favorite memories in the comments and help us give Kim the send-off she deserves.
