What's lurking at Kings Island?

MASON - For weeks, amusement park fan groups have been abuzz with excitement: What's Kings Island building now?

After all, the Mason amusement park just debuted its new $24 million roller coaster, Banshee, in April, its largest investment ever.

While park officials are remaining mum on recent construction activity at the park, plans submitted to the city of Mason reveal the new attraction to be an indoor haunted maze, which could debut as early as this fall when Kings Island opens its eighth annual Halloween Haunt.

A building application submitted by the Mason amusement park to city officials June 16 calls for a 4,992-square-foot post-frame building to be located near The Beast roller coaster station.

The project, which is estimated to cost $250,000 and has a maximum occupancy of 233 people, is being built by Sardinia, Ohio-based Tecumseh Buildings, which specializes in post-frame and steel buildings.

The new attraction's proximity to The Beast has given rise to speculation that the new attraction could be themed after the popular roller coaster, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.

The park's parent company, Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., filed June 23 to trademark "Rougarou" for an amusement park ride and related merchandise, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

In the Cajun folklore of French Louisiana, a rougarou is a werewolf that prowls the swamps and bayous around New Orleans and southern Louisiana. The red-eyed, long-fanged creature is said to stalk unfortunate late-night walkers.

But for now, park fans can only wonder about the spooky new thrills lurking in the shadow of The Beast.

Kings Island spokesman Don Helbig declined to give details about the new attraction, but said its name and logo are still being finalized.

"All attractions slated for Haunt and a new daytime event will be ready to go when those events open in the fall. Details for each of the attractions for Halloween Haunt, the list of rides open, number of monsters and live shows will be shared at a later date," he said.

The new maze marks the 16th haunted attraction at Kings Island. The park introduced three new haunted attractions last year, including new mazes "Board to Death" and "Delta Delta Die" and a new scare zone, "Backwoods Bayou."