Hello @mbharris,
I'm happy to answer any of your questions, but DISCLAMER ALERT!!:
It's only my opinion based only on my experience!
Got that out of the way...now to answer your questions.
I live in far Northern California and had to drive 3 hours to Sacramento, then fly 4 hours to MSP (Minneapolis/St. Paul) and then fly on a smaller plane to Rochester. That was the first time.
Second time same deal, but we had a driver pick us up in Minneapolis and we drove to Rochester (1.5/2 hours) because I was having my heart surgery.
So I had no choice but to fly.
However, member extraordinaire @walkinggirl, who lives in upper New York, drove to and from Rochester for her open heart surgery. So both are options and it's for you to decide.

In my case there was three days of pre-op tests before the big day, so we found a hotel directly across from St. Mary's entrance. That's where your surgery will be. Courtyard Marriott. It was so convenient for my guy. There are other hotels all around St Mary's so making a decision may be confusing...but you can't go wrong, really. Your support person will be walking back to the hotel in the dark, so closest to the hospital front door is a good choice.
Here's a link to the Mayo Concierge. They are super helpful and friendly.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services
You're right! This is SUPER big surgery and it is life changing, and anyone would be nervous. But like you, I had faith, and knew I was in the best place in the world and that faith gave me peace that transcends all understanding! I had real, big fear. But my trust was bigger.

I posted another part 2 to this post that may answer more questions. WARNING! It's long. I'm pretty wordy! But it addressed coming home and what to expect based only on my own experience. Said that before!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1257983/
Time off: That's a difficult one to answer. We are all different and recover at different paces. For most, plan to be off six to eight weeks. But truly, it all depends on you and how you recover. This is a big surgery after all. But plan on not being able to drive for a month! Somebody else will be your boss for awhile 🙂

Positive thoughts, faith, prayer, asking questions, Mayo Connect...you are going in the right direction. December 10th is coming up quick! Come back anytime and share your thoughts.
Hang in there @mbharris, I will have you in my prayers...