have done this trip several times with United. ORD is in my opinion crowded and shabby, but if you don`t mind this, and you are saving plenty on your fare, it`s an OK option. If you have not yet booked, US via PHL is pretty good, as is Delta via DTW.
direct is always preferable, but if like me you have had to travel to MCO in school holidays, with 4 kids, it is the only affordable option.