How Ed, Head Decorator at Holiday Services, Creates Holiday Magic
Every year, the moment Halloween bows out at Walt Disney World, the holidays sweep in with sparkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and festive touches in every corner of our Walt Disney World parks and resorts. For guests arriving at Magic Kingdom in November, the transformation feels nearly instantaneous, but behind this changeover is a team of talented cast members who work year-round to make the holiday magic happen.
Leading this operation is Ed Miles, the head decorator at Holiday Services. With over 45 years of service at Walt Disney World, Ed and his team of decorators and carpenters find and design new ways for guests to experience the holiday season at Walt Disney World each year.
At Holiday Services, It’s Christmas 365 Days a Year
Holiday Services is no ordinary workshop – it’s packed to the brim with festive decorations for every holiday and occasion, and the talented cast members who bring them to life. With nearly every decoration designed and prepared right in the warehouse, Ed and his team work every day of the year to prepare each wreath, garland, and ornament that cover each tree. Their scale of production is immense, including 20 Christmas trees across property, hundreds of decor packages, and thousands of handcrafted pieces.
Even from year to year, Ed and his team are always looking for ways to innovate and reimagine these trees, repurposing materials from past events and holidays and turning them into something magical and new. These icon ornaments, as he calls them, are unique to the tree they are on and stand out amongst the rest, serving as a shining symbol of the park or resort they represent. Filler ornaments, on the other hand, change more often and help give the trees a fresh look each season.
With nearly 70 cast members from all around the world, Ed describes his team as a family, each bringing pieces of their own background directly into the decorations, making the holidays at Walt Disney World a true celebration of cultures, craftsmanship, and cast member creativity.
Ed lights up every time he speaks about his team. “They bring so much joy and passion to their work. It makes my job easier with how much they bring to the table.”
Every Christmas Tree Tells a Story
Of the 20 iconic Christmas trees across Walt Disney World, no trees are the same. Each is fitted with a set of unique ornaments and lights that help bring out the essence of its location and complement its surroundings.
“Just like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building represent New York City, each icon tree represents a park or a resort,” Ed explains. “They’re one of a kind. You won’t find trees like this anywhere else.”
The tree at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for example, uses materials and fabrics unique to Africa and Asia, an homage to two of the lands that are featured inside the park. Over at EPCOT, Ed’s favorite tree at The American Adventure holds ornaments that are carefully crafted to match the period of the 1700s, including colonial-era lanterns and historical motifs.
And not only are these trees stunningly beautiful – they’re marvels of engineering. Each tree starts as a set of blueprints, then is intricately engineered and constructed by welders, electricians, and decorators to bring it to life. Ed and his team see each tree as an invitation to step into a new story, telling it through colors, props, and lights, helping every guest connect with the holidays in their own personal way.
48 Years of Magic and Counting: Ed’s Journey with Disney
Originally recruited for upholstery and furniture work, Ed’s journey at Walt Disney World began when a director recognized his creative talents and asked him to work on the parade floats. Soon thereafter, he transitioned into the world of holiday decorations at Holiday Services, where he’s remained ever since.
“I didn’t know exactly which direction I wanted to take, but I knew I always enjoyed decorating, especially Christmas, because it’s so close to my family.” Ed says.
Over his career, Ed has helped open every park, except for Magic Kingdom, alongside Walt Disney Imagineering, bringing his artistry and passion to every project. Even after 48 years with Disney, the magic still hasn’t faded for Ed. Every year, he still lights up watching guests experience the holiday transformation, especially those who are visiting for the very first time.
“It’s magical. When guests walk into the lobby of one of our resorts and see the tree and decorations appear overnight, that’s what you hear all the time. It never gets old.”
Through his creativity, leadership, and passion for bringing joy to others, Ed embodies the very best of our Disney cast. And thanks to Ed and the entire Holiday Services team, the holidays at Walt Disney World will continue to shine a little brighter each year.
