Yes, you do have to be there 30 minutes before the show. I'm glad you got the PS for the FPD - I've been trying for weeks to get one for between 5/17 and 25 and can not get one...
We've always gone in December to see Fantasmic! and as you can bring food in to the theater, we've always gotten our seats and one or two in our party have gone out and gotten turkey legs and other food...
Enjoy the show! It's fabulous.
DH Opening Day Ceremonies 1972
DH & family - 1972 - visit using tickets given at opening day
DH & DW 1983 - off-site
DH, DW, DS (4) 1986 - The Disney Inn
DH, DW, DS (19), DD (12) 2001 - POR
DH, DW 2003 - Wilderness Lodge
DH, DW, DD (15), DD (21 mo), DD (21 mo) 2004 - POR
DH, DW, DS (22), DD (25 mo), DD (25 mo) 2005 - POR