I'm not sure if this was mentioned, but apparently you don't have to install Python in order to use Panda3D.  Panda3D comes with its own Python installation.  Something to explicitly mention in the future.

However, if you still want to install your own Python version, Panda3D should be installed first, then Python.  This is important to avoid problems.

And if you're using Blender to convert  models to .egg file (or even .bam file because that's what Panda3D is ultimately using when the game is running), Blender is installed third, followed by Chicken R66 (the Blender plugin to convert to .egg and .bam).  What is important is that Python is installed before Blender because, although Blender doesn't require Python to be installed, the Chicken R66 does require it.

Summary: Order of Installation - Panda3D, Python, Blender, Chicken R66