Pandapoly

Panda Travel:  Atlanta 

Arriving/Departing  Atlanta's Hartsfield/Jackson International Airport is the main hub for Delta Airlines, which receives flights from all over the world.  Delta was recently granted permission to fly its first route to China, nonstop between Atlanta and Shanghai.  The only discount carrier to serve Atlanta is AirTran Airways, which has a smaller hub in Atlanta.  Other airlines flying into Atlanta include Northwest, Continental, and United. 

Atlanta is a big, spread-out city, and will be difficult to visit without renting a car, even though the city has a good public transportation system called the Metropolitan Atlanta Rail and Transit Authoriy (MARTA).  There are two main subway lines, and numerous bus routes covering most of the city.  The only place you can change subway lines is Five Points, in the heart of downtown at Underground Atlanta, a large shopping and restaurant area. 

Atlanta is notorious for terrible traffic, and if you plan to travel during rush hour, it might not be a bad idea to use public transportation.  During the day, however, the city is pretty accessible.  If you decide to use MARTA to get to the Zoo, you should ride to Five Points before transferring to Bus 97, which will drop you off right in front of Zoo Atlanta.  This route also stops at Atlanta's other prime attraction, the Georgia Aquarium, and is also called the "A to Z line." 

Hotels 

Atlanta has hotels in all price ranges.  The most expensive hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton, are in Buckhead, the upscale community north of downtown, but there are cheaper options in the downtown area.   It's best to look at sites such as Travelocity and Expedia to decide where you would like to stay and what kind of prices you are willing to pay. 

Restaurants 

Atlanta has lots of good restaurants.  After all, it is the headquarters of Waffle House, which people driving into Atlanta will see at practically every exit off of the main interstate highways, I-20,  I-75, and I-85 coming into in Atlanta.  A tradition in Atlanta is The Varsity, a drive-in located close to Georgia Tech's downtown campus.  It's been a tradition for more than half a century, and the staff still brings food to your car.  Be sure to try the chili dogs and frozen orange drinks, and listen to all the interesting terminology used when the help is calling in your order.  

Zoo Atlanta (The Main Event)

Zoo Atlanta is located in Grant Park, in the heart of downtown.  Admission is currently $17.95 for adults, $12.99 for children (under 2 is free), and seniors, military, and students pay $13.99.  If you are a member of your local zoo, you may qualify for a reciprocal 50% discount.  Zoo Atlanta members always get in for free.   The Giant Panda exhibit opens at 9:00 a.m. for  Zoo members, who get 30 minutes to enjoy the pandas before anyone else.  Yang Yang, Lun Lun, and Mei Lan are always happy to see their fans!