Hey Marley.
Hope you have a great holiday, nice time of yr to go, parks shouldnt be too busy and weather nice.
1. I would wait till I get there for passes. I mean you could ask in local shops how much etc and then also check internet when you are there incase they have deals on-line..
2. I also stayed on I-Drive but its so long, so I dont know that hotel. I know Universal is about 10min drive away from there, but I think disney is longer. maybe 20min. Most hotels offer free shuttle, so just enquire at your hotel. If you hire a car its easy to get too, just ask your hotel rep.
3.Indisney we didnt get Fast passes, no need. At universal we always did, once you arrive around 11am in the park you should be able to buy just inside the gates. I really cant remember the price, maybe it was about 30dollars each, but SOOO worth it!!