How to see D.C.'s new pandas before everyone else

How it works: The cubs are under quarantine in their swanky new panda house for a minimum of 30 days, and their habitat — plus the Bird House and Asia Trail — are closed until the debut.

• In mid-December, National Zoo members can reserve free, timed-entry passes for the "giant panda preview" from Jan. 10-19. Details TBA.
• The sneak peek, shared with volunteers and zoo stakeholders, is designed to help the pandas acclimate to thousands of daily visitors.

Zoom in: There are three annual membership tiers for one to three adults, plus some limited free parking: Standard ($74), Premier ($92), and Premier Plus ($122). All benefit the zoo and its animal conservation.

• In addition to the panda lottery, members get a bunch of perks like discounts on food/drink/merch and priority registration for popular events.

What's next: The pandatantes will have a coming-out party, Jan. 29-Feb. 9, when the zoo will host a series of free celebrations and programs including Lunar New Year. No reservations are required.

• The upgraded Giant Panda Cam will go live with Bao Li and Qing Bao's Jan. 24 debut, and operate live 7am-7pm ET.

Plus: The zoo is rolling out a nine-part, bi-weekly "Prepping for Pandas" series on its website that documents their journey this week.