Only want posts telling you what an awesome choice you've made? That's hardly "input," and, without trying to sound too harsh, makes you sound pretty foolish.
Anyways... I've got no Zombie Tool experience, but I can say Cold Steel is definitely tough. I'd call it more overbuilt and poorly balanced, but for your purposes, I suppose not awful.
That being said, for your purposes and price range, you could afford quite a bit. I might look at Scorpion Swords. Those are made by Chris Palmer, called Archer Here. He's been featured on Top Shot for his archery skills as well, and he makes several affordable blades in your price range. Hanwei's eastern stuff is pretty solid as well for production, and Kris Cutlery has some good quality blades, none of which should push you into the upper ends of your range. There are a few of us who would make customs for you as well. I only do short swords in that price range, and am all out right now, but David Stifle might be able to help you out, for one. Scott Roush, Stuart Branson, and Dan Keffeler all make swords, but they're likely far outside your budget range. I don't know about Miller Brothers, but I do know they make very tough blades, which would serve you well. Storm Crow also has made some short swords that I would expect to be very tough.
For that matter, Albion's squire line is roughly around the top end of your budget as well, although Arms and Armour and Longship and others are all well outside of it. You have a LOT of choices, and you've given us very little to work with to narrow the field down. Do a little more research, figure out what you want (and prefer to use), and work from there.
Personally, with that kind of money to drop on something fun, I'd avoid CS and Zombie Tools. If I was going to get something purely for being tough and goofing around, I'd lean more towards Condor and spend very little. I MIGHT get a Cold Steel machete, but wouldn't bother with their more expensive stuff. And for sure, if I'm dropping that big a chunk of change, I'd want to know exactly what I like to use.
I wanna see!!