We just did a fantasmic lunch package last Thursday. During our meal, the server provided us with the ticket to the 9pm show. The tickets instructed us to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start, but our server recommended we get there at least 45 minutes beforehand. Thankfully he provided that great advice, as we had our pick in the roped off area. By 830, many of the good seats were gone, and by 845, people were scrambling to find seats for their whole party to sit. Many larger groups had to break up into 1 or 2 smaller groups. I think lunch is better since you're not rushing to try and finish your meal. We headed back to the Dolphin to relax after lunch, took the boat back around 6 to grab dinner and ride some rides for FPs we picked up earlier in the day, then headed to fantasmic.