We had a standard view resv @ AKL because we couldn't afford any more, & were upgraded to pool view without even asking. At My kids were hoping for a savana view and were a little disappointed @ check in with not getting to see animals. But after walking around the lodge and seeing what else the lodge had to offer, it didn't matter to them.
There are plenty of viewing areas besided the 3 areas that they show to see the animals. We took a walk down one of the halls (I think it was Kudu) and found a little balcony that you could go out on to, sit in these big rockers and watch the animals. We stayed there for over a half hour with no one else coming out.
So don't be disappointed if it doesn't happen you'll find so much more with the AKL.