We stayed at AKL this past July and were not upgraded from the standard view that we had booked. However I requested non smoking, upper floor and received a teriffic room that was over the lobby and faced a savanah. Yes the animals were quite a ways off and you had to stand not sit on the balcony to see the animals but we could still easily see them.
At WL we once been upgraded from woods to courtyard and once not upgraded at all from woods but was given a great room as I requested non smoking upper floor and we received 6th floor with a fireworks view.
I truley wouldn't let the possibility or lack of it have a decision on the resort I picked. IMO I would go with which resort appealed to me most, transportation, food, ect options.
Good luck on your choice.