Marriott Aruba Ocean Club Questions

[JWWS]

It's been a few years since we went to the Aruba Ocean Club and I have a few questions. Thanks to all who respond in advance.
1. Are there smart tvs in the units? If not, is it possible to stream in any way without bringing a device with shows/movies downloaded?
2. Is distilled water readily available in Superfoods or Ling & Sons?
3. Can you bring distilled water and oatmeal into Aruba in checked luggage?
4. How difficult is it to reserve a palapa under the new system? Will one be available for the day after I arrive? I don't care where I sit and am happy to sit in the back and I don't mind paying $25 a day for the three day reservation.
5. How bad/crowded is the airport on departure day? I'm hearing that it takes 4 hours to get through customs, immigration, security etc now.

 

[jwalk03]

I can only answer the airport question-
The recommendation is arriving at the airport 3 hours before your flight.

 

[dioxide45]

Here is what I can answer;
2 - We bought distilled water at Ling & Sons. It was Crystal brand which is also available in the USA. Superfoods will probably also have it.
4 - Palapas at the Ocean Club are usually pretty easy to reserve as there are a lot when compared to the number of units at OC. You didn't say when you would be going. Busier times of the year (winter) will be harder.
5 - I believe the recommendation is to be at the airport at least three hours prior to departure. If you have Global Entry, it will make the process much smoother. You may also be able to use Mobile Passport. We found the immigration line to be what backed things up and not necessarily security/TSA. Realize you go through Aruba security then have to go through TSA screening.

 

[gln60]

Here is what I can answer;
2 - We bought distilled water at Ling & Sons. It was Crystal brand which is also available in the USA. Superfoods will probably also have it.
4 - Palapas at the Ocean Club are usually pretty easy to reserve as there are a lot when compared to the number of units at OC. You didn't say when you would be going. Busier times of the year (winter) will be harder.
5 - I believe the recommendation is to be at the airport at least three hours prior to departure. If you have Global Entry, it will make the process much smoother. You may also be able to use Mobile Passport. We found the immigration line to be what backed things up and not necessarily security/TSA. Realize you go through Aruba security then have to go through TSA screening.

I think answer #4 you meant to say Palapas at the Surf Club.

 

[dioxide45]

I think answer #4 you meant to say Palapas at the Surf Club.

The OP was specifically asking about the Ocean Club. They won't be able to reserve palapas at the Surf Club.

Edit; I think I understand what you are talking about now as a lot of people say there are more palapas at OC compared to the number of units vs at the Surf Club. That isn't necessarily what I was trying to convey. Just stating that there are a lot of palapas at OC compared to the number of units at OC. I wasn't necessarily directly comparing it to SC.

 

[Dean]

We bought distilled water at superfoods.

 

[MDteX]

On our last visit it was right at 3 hours from when we arrived at the airport until we were at our departure gate. Crazy long lines everywhere. We are going back in a few weeks. I'll be prepared for the lengthy lines this times.
As for reserving palapas it is easy and you can do up to 3 days in advance. Obviously the more days in advance the closer to the ocean you can get. Also any no show reservations become open at noon. We scored good palapas hitting up the hut right at noon.