Disneyland News

Disney Legend Sam McKim to be honored with window on Disneyland’s Main Street

Walt Disney Imagineering artist Sam McKim, who helped design and plan buildings in Frontierland and Main Street, USA and illustrated the first souvenir map sold at Disneyland, will be honored posthumously with a window on Main Street at Disneyland today.

McKim played an instrumental role in the early design of Disneyland and popular attractions, including Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, “it’s a small world,” the Carousel of Progress, and the Haunted Mansion. He worked with the Walt Disney Company for 32 years, but died two years ago.

Sam McKim was honored as a Disney Legend in 1996 for his contributions to the Imagineering department. However, at that time it was noted by various Disney commentators the fact that he had never been honored with a window on Main Street.

Putting names on one of the second-story windows on Main Street, USA at the Disney theme parks is a long-running tradition that serves as a tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to the creation and development of that park.

Disney journalist Jim Hill wrote that it was probably McKim’s “self-effacing ways” and never making a “fuss” that hindered him from getting all the praise he deserved.

Today, Sam McKim gets what many consider to be a long-overdue tribute to his contributions to the Happiest Place on Earth when a morning ceremony at Disneyland will unveil a new window in his honor on Main Street. While he won’t get to see this tribute, his artistry lives on in Disneyland parks around the world, bringing joy to countless guests.

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