If anything, Disney encourages resort-hopping because it naturally leads to guests booking return visits.
That's true.
Disney didn't just put all of those great restaurants in the resorts for the people who are staying there, they put them in the resorts to encourage Guests to visit many resorts, thus increasing the possibility that they'll stay there later.
Think of it this way: If you're staying at a Value or Moderate, but have dinner at Boma, wouldn't the lobby of AKL make you want to stay at AKL on a future trip? Wouldn't eating at WCC make you want to come back and stay at Wilderness Lodge?
Crazy like a fox. And that's why the WDW transportation system is not limited to Guests of the resorts - Disney knows that if you hop on a boat from International Gateway and explore the Epcot resorts, you're more likely to want to stay at Yacht Club or Boardwalk on a future trip. It's simple salesmanship - show the product to people, and some people will want the product.
Resort hopping is one of my favorite activities on vacation. I have visited all of the WDW resorts, eaten in many of the restaurants, browsed all of the gift shops, explored the grounds, taken thousands of photos, and the visits have definitely influenced me to stay in one or two additional resorts. I've also explored the resorts at Universal, and a couple of off-site places (I like visiting Gaylord Palms during the holiday season, for the decorations, the Ice! exhibit, and the terrific Mediterranean buffet).
So, OrangeDog, feel free to explore Fort Wilderness, watch the EWP, and enjoy the atmosphere. Note: If your stay happens to fall during the Halloween or Christmas time frame, be sure to walk around the camp site loops and enjoy the decorations that Guests put up around their sites. They are often more spectacular than the Disney decorations.