A relevant quote from the end of the article:

..."...So for me, what would be at the top of my list? "Well, it sounds weird, but presentation. It's painting. It's landscaping. It's lighting. It's security. It's cleanliness," Shapiro said.

"We don't have to be better than Disney. We don't have to be Disney. We have to be a better alternative to Disney."

http://www.poststar.com/articles/2007/07/1...313007b9b4b.txt

I still find the european park approach to be one of the best. Make sure you have quality theming (not necessarily at Disney level) and don't build a huge coaster every year or two. Give the park guest an all around experience.

I still do not see Disney as anything to aspire to.

I agree with Shapiro in being a better alternative. That's exactly what Busch Gardens has done and seems to pull off remarkably.