I am taking the family to Florida to go to Universal Studios and Harry Potter World in May. We need a place to rent for the week. There are multitudes of them online but it's hard to trust that you are getting what is advertised, especially given that you often have too pre-pay. Do any of you fine folks have experience visiting the Orlando or maybe Kissimmee area and renting there? We are looking to go economy, but not at the expense of staying in a hovel in the ghetto. I have seen several condos and houses to rent in the $100 a night range which isn't a terrible price for the week but trusting on-line ad agencies isn't something I do easily. Any recommendations or horror stories would be welcome. Thanks.

AAA typically has some very good deals for staying places on a budget.

One time in Fla. the wife and I did the Priceline-hotel-Hopper per night thing (find one night at ultra low price, check out the next morning, then find another for the next night) but that was way too much hassle and lack of a "home base" and necessity for a rental car really didn't make it worth our while.

Kayak.com generally can find good rates almost anywhere.

To get a lower rate you're either going to have to plan waaay in advance or go last minute.