Are you able to save your progress in instance dungeons in world of warcraft?

Answer 1

Well technically yes, as you enter an instance it is saved until it is reset by clicking on the reset all instances button by right clicking your portrait, you can do this 4 times then you have to wait one hour. However if it is a raid instance or a heroic instance, you receive what is called a dungeon ID, this is a generic number which saves you and your parties progress. This ID usually referred to as 'being saved' means you can only enter the instance with THAT party or somebody that IS NOT already saved. heroic instances reset every 24 hours on a fixed schedule, so usually about 0:00 in the morning. Raid instances on the other hand can take up to a week to reset so that you and your party have enough time to clear the entire instance: E.G Karazhan resets every Wednesday, this gives you a week to clear the instance.

Answer:

Sometimes it's not possible because the mobs have been programmed to respawn after a period of time in the instance. If your party wipes or has to wait too long on an AFK member, you may find yourself fighting the same mobs, again.