Re: point 1, not all Universal hotels get you the Unlimited Express, there's a chart here.
https://www.universalorlando.co.uk/Hotels/On-site-Hotels-Comparison.aspx
We've also taken up Bozza's idea, we're off this Saturday, with the middle weekend at Royal Pacific.
We're off next year, and intrigued by the staying one night at Universal tip. I guess you're able to check in really early to take advantage of the first day's Express pass?