We'd stayed one night and we were scheduled for four more nights after I (very nicely, very politely -- I use good manners!) requested the move. Smirking clerk flatly refused, citing 99% occupancy overall. We'd paid in advance, so we were unable to just leave. You were right that they should charge less for the bogus Savannah view rooms, since there aren't animals on view.
We were just very unlucky this time with guest service overall. I had to put in a special request to have our room vacuumed at all (was told that most guests don't want their rooms cleaned during their stay -- seriously). We also got the bad draw of an eyerolling, sighing, reluctant concierge when we tried to arrange a couple of simple dining reservations/tickets, and we eventually gave up.
We just got the overwhelming feeling during this stay that we were nothing more than a number, and that if they lost our business it didn't matter a whit to them. It felt like Fawlty Towers without the humor. It was contemptuous treatment, which I've not experienced there before. (Obviously, since this was our fourth trip to AKL, seventh to WDW overall!) There were a couple of exceptions. The wait staff in the restaurants were pleasant overall, and one of the wildlife guides was wonderful.
Oh, and we were put in the same hidden area of Jiko as you, TiggerAllie, but we were fortunate enough to get a wonderfully attentive waitress, so that more than compensated.
thanks for the info...I just emailed...hoping they still available...
I was a little depressed that we weren't doing Savannah view (we're pool view) but now I'm thinking we shouldn't take an upgrade (if offered) or ask if it is in Fecal Flats first.... 
We were there at the same time as you (I think) and we had great service at check-in and the concierge to get our boarding passes - actually we had great service everywhere. I remember being pleased that everyone we dealt with was so friendly.
