Hi Bill,
Thanks for your question! Inquiries about Disney's Wilderness Lodge make me smile from ear to ear.
There are many reasons to visit Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground during your stay at the Wilderness Lodge. You could take an archery class, visit the horses seen around the Disney theme parks at their stables, or shop at one of the trading posts. As you noted, the water taxi could transport you from the Wilderness Lodge to the boat dock at Fort Wilderness in just a matter of minutes. I love that boat ride across Bay Lake! When you arrive at the dock, take a quick walk over to Pioneer Hall. That's where the
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is performed. This is a great dinner show. If you haven't ever seen it, I suggest you book reservations for an evening during your upcoming trip.
Another good reason to visit Fort Wilderness is to experience the
Wilderness Back Trail Adventure. Have you ever ridden a Segway? If you haven't, then you simply have to give it a try! As part of this adventure, you not only learn how to use a Segway, you also get to ride one from Fort Wilderness to the Wilderness Lodge and back. This is not your grandmother's Segway, by the way. These machines have big wheels and can tackle uneven pavements and hills. I highly recommend this experience.
If you happen to be visiting during the holidays, I also encourage you to walk, ride a bike, or take the water taxi over to Fort Wilderness so that you can see the incredible decorations that guests staying there put out around their cabins, motor homes, and campsites for the holidays. That makes for a fun evening too.
Wishing you the best Disney vacation ever!
Jill