I use prefolds - it was a kit called cotton bottoms from Tommee Tippee. They have stopped making it but there are plenty of companies that do prefolds and wraps.
I love my real nappies so much that I made sure the house I rented for our hols had a washing machine so she can still wear them. She usually has disposables when we are away (corn based ones though - not petroleum based) but even those seem to make her bum sweaty and they smell alot more than real nappies. I have a utility room which is great for drying if it is wet outside - so we haven't needed a tumble dryer. I have a good system set up with two lidded boxes under the changing table, one for wet nappies with some drops of tea tree oil, and one with a soaking solution for dirty nappies. I didn't bother with the soaking when she was younger as the nappies were washed every other day and b/f poo doesn't smell, but do now that she has fewer nappy changes and is on solids I find it better.
TBH - I don't think there are any disadvantages - yes you have to put them in the machine and then hang them out, but I only do it a couple of times a week and it takes very little time. Running in and out to the bin with a disposable would definatly take longer. The advantages are saving the environment, much reduced cost, healthier baby's bum. I have also started using reusable baby wipes as well - which were just cheap baby face clothes (6 for £1 in the £1 shop) and these are fab - much more effective and as you are washing the nappies anyway its not problem. I store them in a plastic baby wipe dispenser that came with the Bounty pack.
Anyway - thats what I think.
All the best
Andrea
