Technical Data
- Diameter: Ø 5 m
- Max Height in operation: 4,6 m
- Number of seats: 20
- Number of subjects: 13
- Min passengers height: 105 cm not accompained
- Theorical hour capacity: 550 pph
Carousel Family Rides
A merry go round ride works on a simple principle that has delighted riders for more than a century. A circular platform turns around a central column, while a set of cranks mounted under the canopy rotates with it. Each horse is fixed to a decorated pole connected to one of these cranks: as the platform turns, the horses rise and fall in turn, recreating the rhythm of a gallop. Benches and carriages stay fixed on the platform, so younger children and their parents can enjoy a calmer seat beside the moving figures.
Depending on the theme, riders can climb onto beautifully decorated horses, elegant carriages, colorful Vespa scooters, playful fire trucks or charming farm animals such as cows and chickens. Moving and stationary figures sit side by side, which makes the carousel one of the few amusement rides that toddlers, older children and adults can share. Parks building a family area around it usually place tea cup rides a few steps away, keeping the same audience on a ride where each group chooses how fast to spin.
A Handcrafted Merry Go Round Ride, Made in Italy
Each carousel by Preston & Barbieri combines traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern amusement ride technology. Our artisans hand-paint every figure and decorate every panel in our workshop in Reggio Emilia. Customers can personalize the ride from the exterior panels to the individual figures, so that the carousel matches the identity of their park.
Every merry go round ride we build complies with the regulations of the destination country and comes with full quality certifications. The range covers seven models, from the compact 5-meter carousel to the 13.5-meter double-deck version that carries up to 92 riders. On all models, the minimum height for unaccompanied passengers is 105 cm (41 in).
| Diameter | Type | Max height | Seats | Figures | Riders per hour |
| 5 m (16 ft) | Single deck | 4.6 m (15 ft) | 20 | 13 | 550 |
| 7/8 m (23/26 ft) | Single deck | 6/7 m (20/23 ft) | 22/35 | 17/24 | 550/875 |
| 10 m (33 ft) | Single deck | 9.7 m (32 ft) | 35 | 26 | 700 |
| 10 m (33 ft) | Double deck | 11.7 m (38 ft) | 61 | 34 | 1,220 |
| 12 m (39 ft) | Single deck | 9.1 m (30 ft) | 58 | 33 | 1,160 |
| 13.5 m (44 ft) | Double deck | 12 m (39 ft) | 92 | 69 | 1,840 |
| 15 m (49 ft) | Single deck | 10.3 m (34 ft) | 60 | 50 | 1,260 |
Horse Carousels: A Timeless Attraction
Horse carousels, or merry-go-rounds, originated long before anyone could imagine colorful lights and enchanting melodies. In the Middle Ages, knights trained with lances by galloping in circles. It was a spectacle of strength and precision, far from modern amusement, but those simple circular motions were already the seed of the carousel.
Over the centuries, real animals were replaced by intricately carved wooden horses, and technical advancements allowed these attractions to become the heart of fairs and amusement parks. From French town squares to the shores of Coney Island, the horse carousel has brought smiles to generations of children, accompanying many childhoods with its gentle, hypnotic movements. Over time, it has become a symbol of celebration and nostalgia, carrying its timeless charm to every corner of the world.
The First Preston & Barbieri Carousels
Over the years, we have become one of Italy’s leading manufacturers of amusement park attractions, including some of the finest merry go round ride solutions on the market. Today, we offer a catalog of over fifty models, ranging from traditional carousels to roller coasters, all crafted with our signature artisanal quality and internationally recognized safety standards.
Among our most significant works are the classic horse carousels, available in various sizes, including two-level models, such as the double-decker carousel at Fiabilandia in Rimini, which blends vintage aesthetics with modern functionality.
Our creations can now be found across continents: from Phantasialand in Brühl, where one of our carousels has been operating since 1998, to the Magic Carousel at Imagica, inaugurated in 2013. Even in St. Peter’s Square, during Christmas 2012, one of our horse carousels spun beside the nativity scene, bringing a festive touch to the heart of Rome.
Each of our carousels tells the story of an Italian company that has successfully brought the charm and artistry of traditional rides to the world.
What is a merry-go-round ride?
A merry-go-round ride is a classic attraction found in almost every amusement park, loved by families and children for its timeless charm. It typically features a rotating circular platform with beautifully decorated seats, often shaped like horses, that move up and down as the ride spins.
Known for its gentle motion and nostalgic atmosphere, the merry-go-round is designed to provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience rather than high-speed thrills, making it one of the most iconic rides in the history of amusement parks.
What do Brits call a carousel?
In British English, a carousel is most commonly referred to as a roundabout. While the term carousel is still widely understood, especially in international contexts and within the amusement industry, roundabout is the traditional name used in the UK to describe this type of rotating ride found in an amusement park.
