Hmmm, it sounds like your family enjoys the coaster/fast type of rides, and if that is the case, then I can see your point about the rides/attractions in WDW. Have you tried the Universal and Islands of Adventure parks? Those may be more geared to your likings.
We are a family that has been taking our twins to Disney since they were 7 months old, so we enjoy the fantasyland-type rides (twins are now 4) and all the imagination, creative, and sea creature sections in Epcot, and all the animals at AK totally fascinate the twins and we love seeing them discover new things. I should also point out that perhaps your trip experience was not to your expections because you didn't enjoy your resort. Personally, a resort makes or breaks our trip. Being that our kids are young, we spend a lot of time at our resort. Beach Club is our favorite, mainly because of the location. Did you check out that area (the Epcot resort area)? BC is an Epcot resort and located next to the Boardwalk and within walking distance to both Epcot and MGM. The boardwalk is really fun at night with entertainment on the boardwalk, ESPN Club, surrey bikes to rent and ride around the lake, watch Illuminations from almost any spot, nice restaurants too. By staying in that area, you have several fine dining options within walking distance, including all the Epcot countries. To us, this area is like a vacation within a vacation and we sometimes forget we are even in Disney.