Folks--
It would probably be most useful for the OP if posters differentiated between trips starting in the northern Pantanal, in Cuiaba (where the OP indicated he would be), and on its main Transpantaneira highway, and trips starting in the southern Pantanal, including Campo Grande, Corumba and Bonito. As a tourist, you can't get to south from north except by flying.
Generally, the southern Pantanal has more budget lodging and tour options, but the northern Pantanal has the possibility of jaguar sightings with a knowledgable guide, as well as most animals and birds possible in the south.