I did some quick math -- $40 R/T bus from Rockford to O'Hare
$14 parking for one week.
That brings it down to $705

I paid $460 for my Feb 2013 trip shortly after the tickets were available the end of March. I have decided that for me -- buying that far ahead is best way to get a cheaper ticket with the least amount of work.

Not sure the convenience is worth the extra $245, but I would probably do it if I hadn't already gotten my Feb ticket.

I see you can purchase tickets today on the Apple Vacations Website.