A carousel is a motorized merry-go-round carrying seated riders in circles, usually with some bobbing motion. They are generally sheltered by a roof, and are heavily decorated. Typical carousels have fanciful seats shaped like horses or other creatures.

The seats turn together around the center of the ride. Their usual animal shapes and bobbing motion accompany that circular movement rather than defining a separate route.

A swing ride instead suspends its passengers in swings. Roofs and elaborate decoration are common carousel features, but the seated circular motion is its operating form.