Attend Carnival in Brazil

Granted I am planning everything by myself for 6 people. BUT its really hard there is so much to think about. I have been working on it for two days and it is absolutly comsuming. I just wish there was more information on traveling (tips/tricks). There are people out there that have had to plan this before…. give me your knowledge lol. The expenses are outrageous but its once in a lifetime. I have already read Fodor’s (posted some comments on there web page to see if anyone there can assist) and another short travel book on Rio. There is also a ton of things to seee… its amazing. I almost dont want to go during carnaval because everything is so expensive and for half the expense we can go any other time and rent a gorgeous house out in Ipanema and seee everything. The city pretty much shuts down for carnaval. I dunno any and all suggestions are welcomed…. any brazilians out there who are willing to give me the inside scoop??