Kim Irvine Named Disney Legend for Her Enduring Impact on Disneyland

Kim Irvine, an esteemed Imagineer with over 55 years of experience at Walt Disney Imagineering, will be honored as one of the newest Disney Legends at the Honda Center during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on August 16, 2026. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the legacy started by Walt Disney.

Kim's passion for Disney began at a young age. Born and raised in Southern California, she grew up with Disney as a living experience in her own home. Her father, Harvey Toombs, was one of Walt's animators, starting in the early 1940s. Kim's mother, Leota Toombs, was also an Imagineer and Disney Legend who left an indelible mark on the classic Haunted Mansion attraction.

Kim began her career at WED Enterprises in 1970 as a model builder and painter. She worked on various projects, including 'it's a small world' dolls and toys, and building scale models for Walt Disney World Resort. In 1979, she played a key role in opening the first Imagineering office in Anaheim, California, under the direction of John Hench and Marty Sklar.

Kim's leadership and artistry won out, resulting in numerous iconic projects, including Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante, The Disneyland Dream Suite, and many refurbishments of Sleeping Beauty Castle. She was also instrumental in mentoring many Imagineers around the world, with her daughter, Ali Irvine-Wheeler, following in her footsteps as a third-generation Imagineer.

Kim's dedication to preserving and enhancing the magic of Walt Disney's original kingdom has left an enduring legacy across Disney Parks globally. As she neared retirement in 2025, Kim reflected on her time at Disneyland, stating, 'I just love this park... I think it is going to be so hard to leave this place. Like moving away from home for the first time.'