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-   -   Viewing the Panda Cub Without a Ticket (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mid-atlantic/505015-viewing-panda-cub-without-ticket.html)

langleyoaker Dec 17, 2005 10:53 am
Viewing the Panda Cub Tai Shan at the National Zoo Without a Ticket
 
Just wanted to share what I noticed this morning when I was at the National Zoo to see Tai Shan. I had tickets for 1100 and got in line early. There is also a separate standby line to get in. Around 1050 they let just about everyone in the standby line into the panda house to see Tai Shan. The official viewing times are from 1100-1300 daily, so they basically started 10 min. early to let a group of standbys in. They also count the number of people who show up for each time slot and let standbys in if not everyone shows. So if you don't have a ticket and you show up around 1030 (for days like today, may be need to get there earlier during the holidays) I'd say your chances are very good to get in.

Tai Shan had just gone into a side den right before I got in and wasn't visible. After a couple minutes the keepers brought him out.

chintwin Dec 21, 2005 7:56 pm
How Early to Get Same Day Tickets
 
The tickets for same day entry are distributed beginning at 8am. Do you know how early these "standby's" had to get their tickets in order to see the Panda?

langleyoaker Dec 21, 2005 9:07 pm
Originally Posted by chintwin
The tickets for same day entry are distributed beginning at 8am. Do you know how early these "standby's" had to get their tickets in order to see the Panda?
From what I observed the day I was there, I would not bother getting there at 8 a.m. I would show up around 10:30 a.m. and hope they let people in at 10:50 a.m., and if they didn't I would stick around until I got in due to no-shows.

Starting Jan. 3 they are adding an extra hour from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Note that tickets have been released for all of Jan. but there aren't many dates left.

goingsomewhere Dec 21, 2005 9:23 pm
You might also want to try the Panda Cam at:

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Gi...as/default.cfm

chintwin Dec 27, 2005 7:21 am
Any Recommendations to Dining near the Wash Zoo?
 
Originally Posted by langleyoaker
From what I observed the day I was there, I would not bother getting there at 8 a.m. I would show up around 10:30 a.m. and hope they let people in at 10:50 a.m., and if they didn't I would stick around until I got in due to no-shows.

Starting Jan. 3 they are adding an extra hour from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Note that tickets have been released for all of Jan. but there aren't many dates left.
Thanks for the tip. I may try to take the kids this week. Any recommendations for a kid friendly eating establishment (to warm up after a brisk visit) that is near the zoo? :)

FliesWay2Much Dec 27, 2005 9:24 am
Originally Posted by chintwin
Thanks for the tip. I may try to take the kids this week. Any recommendations for a kid friendly eating establishment (to warm up after a brisk visit) that is near the zoo? :)
It's been a while since I've been to the zoo, but I think there is at least one sit-down fastfood place at the zoo itself, in addition to lots of snack bars and roach coaches. It's quite a walk from the zoo up to Conneticut (?) Ave, and I believe it's mainly in a residential area. Having said that, I live out in rural northern Virginia, so someone who lives in the District or closer might have better ideas.

sfreling Jan 12, 2006 6:53 am
Originally Posted by FliesWay2Much
It's been a while since I've been to the zoo, but I think there is at least one sit-down fastfood place at the zoo itself, in addition to lots of snack bars and roach coaches. It's quite a walk from the zoo up to Conneticut (?) Ave, and I believe it's mainly in a residential area. Having said that, I live out in rural northern Virginia, so someone who lives in the District or closer might have better ideas.

MORE PANDA TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE...
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/

Glass Bottom Boater Jan 16, 2006 9:26 pm
Panda cam is sweet! Thanks for the tip


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