Hi Mandamom
Go to skyauction.com. This is a hotel bidding site similar to Priceline, but better in my opinion because you can pick where you want to stay. Narrow your search by USA, Florida, and then hotel only. All of the auctions they have going on will be listed. I found the best value to be the "ready, set, go" auctions. When you find one, there is a link in the auction that will show you what properties are available for the dates you want. When you are bidding, you can put a temporary hold on the property you want. Most of these auctions are won in the $50 range, but then you have to add on another $210 in fees to Skyauction.
We stayed at the Florida Vacation Villas. There were other properties that looked much nicer(like Orange Lake) on Skyauction, but unfortunately, by the time I won, the others were gone for the week I needed. This property was on Poinciana off of 192. It was huge and clean. A 2 story with a full kitchen, dining room, 1/2 bath and living room(sofa sleeper) downstairs and 2 bedrooms and baths upstairs. There were 3 tvs. the appliances looked fairly new. The bathrooms could have used a little updating, but they were fine. I was not planning on being at out hotel much anyhow, just wanted a kitchen and a separate bedroom from my tv watching husband(I cant sleep with a tv on)and this worked out great. You don't get maid service, but can get clean towels during the week.
I did not have this problem myself, but I have heard that if you can't find a property for the week you want, that Skyauction will refund your money. So, in that way it is better than Priceline, too.
I rented during October, so this was probably an off season. You may have to pay a little more if you are going during peak times.
If you have any other questions- I am at
sln88@yahoo.com
Good luck!