Hi Slinky_dogg.
I think you will be happy staying at the AKL in any room. There is a good chance that you may be upgraded anyway upon check-in. I read here on these boards how there are only a small percentage of standard view rooms, and they overbook them, which means that they upgrade to pool view or savannah view more often than most resorts upgrade.
I see you live in Florida --so you are probably getting a Fl Resident discount (same as an AP discount). Maybe to play it safe you might want to think about reserving a savannah view room if you think you would be unhappy if you don't get an upgrade. The upgrades happen, just not to everyone. Better to reserve what you can live with, than go and chance being disappointed.
We stayed at the AKL last summer after our cruise, and we reserved a standard view room. We were accepting of the fact that we would have to leave our room to see the animals, but we knew that there were many places to view them from, so we were ok with it. We did happen to get upgraded to a savannah room, which was wonderful and magical, especially since we hadn't requested it or said a word at check-in. The CM just said "your room is ready and we have upgraded you to a savannah room view". "Wow!" was our shocked response, and as soon as our jaws were lifted off the floor we went to our room.
Reserve what you will be happy with, and if an upgrade happens, your trip will only be more magical.
