MASON, Ohio -- There are more surprises coming from Kings Island.
Last month, officials at the Mason amusement park announced they were building "Mystic Timbers," a new wooden roller coaster set to open 2017.
But spokesman Don Helbig said Wednesday another "major announcement" about the 2017 season is coming. The park will spill the beans on what else it's planning at 11 a.m. Thursday.
Helbig gave no clues. Nada. Zip.
When the park announced Mystic Timbers last month, it included a "virtual ride" video showing what it’s going to be like riding the new coaster. The video ends with the car approaching a shed and the message “#WhatsInTheShed.”
So will Thursday's announcement reveal what's in that darn shed? Or will it be something else?
While you wait patiently, here are our 9 guesses for what's inside:
1. Rare Pokemon
The "Pokemon Go" app is sweeping the nation and, maybe, Kings Island wants to get in on the action. Putting a rare new Pokemon (like a Mew) inside the shed would be a major draw for the new ride.
Of course, it might be hard for riders to catch a Pokemon as the roller coaster car races through the shed.
2. A new route for the Duke Energy pipeline
Residents from around Hamilton County have protested Duke Energy’s plan to build a new gas pipeline through the Tri-State. However, re-routing the proposed pipeline through a non-residential area like Kings Island could alleviate some of the protesters’ concerns.
3. A new microbrewery
Greater Cincinnati is wild for new breweries. They keep popping up all over the Tri-State, and there seems to be no shortage of gimmicks for new beers and beer events. So why not throw a bar in the middle of a ride? Since Mystic Timbers doesn’t have any loops, it should be safe-ish for beer drinkers to enjoy without spilling. Though the park may have to ID riders before they can board the coaster.
4. Harambe memorial
The world has not forgotten Harambe. Whether it’s teens tricking Google into renaming a street Harambe Drive or golf fans shouting “Rest in peace, Harambe” at the PGA tour, fans of the silverback gorilla who was shot dead at the Cincinnati Zoo after a boy fell into his enclosure in May are looking for ways to honor him.
A tasteful memorial inside the shed would be a way that Kings Island could capitalize on the resurgence of interest in Harambe while also preserving and passing down his story for future generations.
5. Future Cincinnati Streetcar stop
Streetcar proponents have big plans for the future, and those could include lines stretching out all the way to Mason. Anyone riding out to Kings Island from downtown Cincinnati will transfer onto Mystic Timbers to reach the rest of the park.
6. A shed store
What better way for a local business to find some new customers than by working out a deal with Kings Island to hop on their exciting new ride? It could be that a local shed manufacturer or dealer arranged for a new showroom right on the park’s newest roller coaster as a way of showcasing their products before millions of visitors.
7. Ark Encounter-inspired religious exhibits
With all the buzz about the new Ark Encounter in Grant County, Kentucky, maybe Kings Island is hoping to draw on the religious theme park trend by opening a “Jonah and the Whale” encounter on their newest ride. Park visitors can view an animatronic Jonah recite Bible stories inside a replica whale stomach inside the shed.
8. School supplies
Can’t get your kids excited to go back-to-school shopping? Then you can trick them with a visit to Kings Island! Everyone riding Mystic Timbers will stop in a small shop featuring everything kids need for the new school year,from pencils and paper to new clothes and shoes. As a bonus, the shop will also serve Kings Island’s signature blue ice cream.
9. It’s where people get on/off the ride
That’s all. Nothing special. It’s just where the line goes for anyone wanting to ride Mystic Timbers.
Tell us! What do you think is in the shed? Vote in our poll below.
WCPO's James Leggate contributed to this report.
