Here is my families (DH, DS-5 and me) experience and my advice. We went to WDW this past June for the first time. I planned and studied for about a year. Here is what we did...
We got up early, early and got in line for opening gates at Epcot for EE about 45 minutes before park opened. I took a poptart for DS for breakfast to eat in line. When the gates opened we took off only to find a rope blocking our way. We got to the right side of the rope and made sure we were right in front of the rope. We began talking to the CM's while we waited and talked about wanting to get to Soarin fast. We were standing right next to the CM's that were running Soarin', when the rope dropped we walked (and talked) with the CM's for Soarin' (no one was aloud to pass them). Our DS was a trooper and he was the FIRST one on Soarin that day (our first ride at WDW.)
It is a wonderful ride you will love it!! We rode it a couple of times and loved it each time, but being in the first row is the best. Good Luck
My advice
-get there early for EE
-get as close to the right side of the rope as you can
-and go straight to Soarin'