As far as I know, the only way to get preferred seating is with a Disney vacation package. When we went earlier this year we each got the booklet with coupons/tickets for Toontown Morning Madness, preferred seating for Aladdin, Muppets and Bugs Life (didn't use for Muppets or Bugs Life), merchandise discounts, free pin/lanyard etc.
We got something similar, although not exactly the same, the last time too.