We stayed at the Hard Rock and it was ideal for me with Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Express Pass made it a lot easier (no lines to speak of). The Express Pass is available on about 90% of the rides - the biggest exception, and a big disappointment, was that it wasn't available for Rip Ride Rockit. The hotel was an easy walk from the parks. If you don't want to walk, you can head over to City Walk (across a bridge) and get the water taxi, or right outside of Universal Studios (which is next to Islands of Adventure) you will find bike taxis. They hold 2 adults easily, and they work for tips only.
I did a Trip Report here:
http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/universal-studios-florida-islands-adventure/210975-my-us-ioa-trip-report-wow.html.
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to PM me!