We financed with a home equity line of credit in May. We got a lower interest rate by opening a larger line than necessary, put $5000 toward the principal up front, and are paying as much as possible each month. We hope to have it paid off in a year.
How common is financing? Probably more than people will admit on the DIS since the common mentality here is that only those with cash to pay up front should buy DVC. In the general population, however, I imagine most people finance.
Is it wise to finance? If you're often strapped for cash and have trouble paying your normal bills, then no. If you can afford the payments and annual fees without cutting into your monthly obligations, then it's probably fine.
If the conventional definition of fiscal "wisdom" was a deciding factor, then NONE of us should buy DVC. A timeshare, regardless of how it's financed, is not a "wise" investment by any standards.
I find it interesting that people rarely question the "wisdom" of someone dropping $20K, $30K, $40K or more every few years for new cars, or installing pools, or buying boats, but when it comes to a timeshare, it's like we're all a bunch of fools. I'd like to see how many of those cars, boats, or pools will still be around in 40 years!
This is what we chose to spend our money on, and we think it's wise to invest in our family time, regardless of what others might think.
Regarding home resort -- buy where you want to stay. We liked BCV's theming, location and pool the best, so that is where we bought. We'd have never considered buying at another resort just so we could TRY to stay at BCV. As more and more DVC resorts open, it's going to get harder and harder to book outside your home resort, esp. if you want to stay somewhere small like BCV.
Best of luck on your decision!
rewards! Plus a 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases & balance transfers, with no annual fee. 
