This is how it happend for us in 02, but someone here mentioned it may have changed...
On our cruise departure day, we were given the option to stay at the resort and have the
DCL busses pick us up there or head off to AK. Upon check in at the resort, we were given a ## to call to reserve spots at Donald's Character breakfast (I can't spell the real name

) at AK. You had to call early, as those "reserved seats" for cruisers were limited. You do not get any discount off the price of breakfast, however. If you chose to go to AK on departure day, there is a table set up at the entrance for cruisers where you can check in your carry on for free so you don't have to worry about lockers, etc. (DCL had already gotten our luggage bright and early at the resort and loaded it on DCL busses). You are then given "priority seating" passes to one of the AK shows that allows you into the show with out any hassle or missing it. Lastly, at around 1130, you meet up at the front of the park and load on the DCL busses for your trip to port.
I hope they still do it this way! I thought it was great. When you book the land/sea package, 3 or 4 days is not enough at the parks, and this gives you that last go at AK!