Disney’s new streaming television service, Disney+, has debuted in the United States, Canada and the Netherlands. While Disney+ won’t go fully global for a while, the service is expected to expand to other locations (including the U.K.) around the globe in 2020.
However, until then, you may be “Frozen” out of all of that Disney goodness if you’re not in one of the countries listed above (yes, the service is geo-blocked, just like Netflix and other services). Even when the service expands, it’s almost guaranteed that content will be different from country to country.
Luckily, you can bust through the House of the Mouse’s content roadblocks by making use of a security tool you may already have in your arsenal, a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN can make it appear as if you’re in one of the Disney+ launch day countries by spoofing your IP address, tricking Disney into opening their content vault for viewing on your favorite device.
In addition to unblocking Disney+, a VPN also encrypts your connection, keeping your online activities safe from prying eyes. It also prevents your ISP, employer or school from blocking access or throttling your connection speeds when you attempt to access your favorite online content.
When you’re considering VPNs to provide reliable access to Disney+ and other streaming services, consider the following: plenty of servers around the globe that provide reliable unblocking of blocked services, fast download speeds with no data caps, and comprehensive multi-platform support.
According to testing by Comparitech, here are the 5 best VPNs to use with Disney+….
Best VPNs for Watching Disney+
These 5 VPNs proved to work best for providing access to Disney+. Here’s a summary:
- ExpressVPN: This provider is the #1 option for reliable access to Disney+. The provider’s extensive global server network provides access to blocked content around the world, while its fast download speeds can easily handle the 4K content that Disney+ offers.
- NordVPN: NordVPN is the best option for budget-minded folks who don’t want to break the bank on VPN service after paying for their Disney+ subscription. This provider’s download speeds might not be up to those of other VPNs on this list, but they can still handle Disney’s HD streams.
- CyberGhost: This is the best option for new VPN users looking for an easy-to-use VPN app that provides reliable and speedy access to Disney+. The provider, while not as low-priced as NordVPN, is an excellent option for budget-minded individuals looking for fast download speeds.
- PrivateVPN: This provider is new on the scene and still has a bit of growing up to do. However, PrivateVPN does offer fast connections and reliable access to streaming services in the U.S. and other countries.
- Surfshark: This provider does a reliable job unblocking Disney+ and other streaming services. Its fast download speeds mean the provider is 4K-ready. Plus, everyone can watch their favorite shows thanks to the provider’s unlimited connections policy.
I evaluated and ranked the top Disney+ VPNs using the following criteria:
- Unblocks Disney+ and other popular streaming services
- Has servers located around the globe
- Offers reliable connections, fast enough for HD & 4K Disney+ streams
- Provides comprehensive privacy and security protections
- Offers wide-ranging native app support
- Delivers top-notch customer support
Here’s my list of the top 5 VPNs to provide access to Disney+.
ExpressVPN is my top choice for ensuring reliable access to Disney+, as well as other popular streaming services.
This provider’s global server network offers reliable access to Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services. Over 3,000 servers located in 94 countries around the globe provide access to blocked content nearly anywhere in the free world.
ExpressVPN delivers the fastest download speeds in the top 5, providing no-data-cap connections that can easily handle the demands of Disney’s HD and 4K content streams.
All of your online activities are kept undercover thanks to the provider’s banking-grade encryption and kill switch, IPv6 leak and DNS leak protections. Your privacy is also well protected thanks to the provider’s no-logs policy and its ready acceptance of Bitcoin in return for its impressive services.
Disney+ is available on most popular device platforms, and so is ExpressVPN. Native apps are available for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux and Amazon Fire devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect in-browser viewing sessions.
Router coverage helps protect all of your other connected devices. Up to 5 concurrent connections are allowed.
ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer DNS service provides access to Disney+ on streaming devices like the Apple TV, game consoles and Smart TVs. (Be warned: MediaStreamer doesn’t encrypt your connection like the provider’s VPN service does.)
Around-the-clock customer support is available thanks to 24/7 support chat, a support ticket tracking system, email support and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Plenty of servers capable of unblocking Disney+
- Easily handles HD and 4K video streams
- Around-the-clock customer support
- Excellent security and privacy protections
- Top-notch app support
Cons:
- More expensive than many other VPN providers
BEST VPN FOR DISNEY+:ExpressVPN is my top choice for opening access to Disney+ and other streaming services around the globe. The provider’s extensive global server network delivers fast, 4K-capable connection speeds, while keeping your online activities undercover. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
NordVPN offers an excellent VPN option for budget-minded users who would rather spend their money watching Disney’s extensive library of content instead of blowing a “Goofy” amount of money on VPN protection.
The provider has just under 5,200 servers located in nearly 60 countries around the world. Those servers deliver reliable access to Disney+ and other streaming services around the globe.
NordVPN’s download speeds were only good enough for 5th place, but this is a fast overall lineup. The provider can easily handle Disney’s high definition streams, and you’ll never have to worry about a daily or monthly data cap.
Online security is never an issue thanks to the provider’s banking-grade encryption, their DNS leak, IPv6 leak and kill switch protections, and their ad and malware blocking.
Privacy is never a worry thanks to NordVPN’s total no-logs policy. A Bitcoin payment option keeps your payment information under wraps.
App support from NordVPN includes macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and Android TV apps. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is top-notch router compatibility to protect all of your other devices. You can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously.
Customer support is available around the clock, with 24/7 live support chat, email support and a searchable support library all available.
Pros:
- Comprehensive global server coverage
- HD- & 4K-capable Disney+ connections
- Attractively priced
- Top-notch security and privacy protections
Cons:
- Slowest connection speeds on this list
BEST FOR BUDGET:NordVPN will likely prove to be the most attractive option on this list for Disney viewers who want to save a few bucks. If you opt for the Mouse’s annual subscription plan, you’ll probably like NordVPN’s extended subscription plan pricing. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
CyberGhost offers reliable, easy-to-master apps that deliver comprehensive access to Disney+ and other streaming services, all without requiring complicated customizations.
The provider’s 5,700+ servers, located in 89 countries, provide plenty of content-unblocking power for Disney+ and similar streaming services.
CyberGhost’s connection speeds provide reliable streaming of Disney’s HD and 4K content, and the provider never pulls a Scrooge McDuck by imposing data caps to spoil the fun.
Government-grade encryption, along with IPv6 and DNS leak prevention and the ability to block ads, malicious websites, and online tackers, provides all-around connection protection. A strict “no logs on the server” policy and a Bitcoin payment option have you protected on the privacy side of things.
Native app support is available for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows and Amazon Fire devices. The provider’s excellent router feature will protect other devices, and you can have up to 7 devices connected at once.
Customer support is well represented with 24/7 live support chat, a support ticket tracking system and an easy-to-search support library.
Pros:
- Reliably unblocks Disney+ and many other streaming services
- Smooth HD and 4K video streaming
- Easy-to-use apps available for popular platforms
- Excellent privacy and security protections
Cons:
- Experienced users may miss access to advanced options
BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VPN USERS:CyberGhost should prove to be an attractive choice for newbie VPN users. The provider’s easy-to-use apps offer reliable access to Disney+ and other services. Fast connection speeds are a plus too. 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee.
PrivateVPN is a fairly recent addition to the VPN ranks, and as such, has a ways to go to catch up. However, the provider already provides excellent service in many important categories.
While a global server network consisting of 150+ servers spread thinly among 60 countries doesn’t exactly scream “comprehensive coverage,” the provider has done an admirable job placing what it has to work with. The provider has the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands covered.
PrivateVPN’s download speeds are impressive and are more than up to the challenge of smoothly streaming Disney+’s HD and 4K streams. No data caps to be found here.
Government-grade encryption protects your online activities, along with kill switch and auto-reconnect features. IPv6 and DNS leaks are no worry, and a proprietary “Stealth VPN” feature helps hide your VPN activity. PrivateVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin.
PrivateVPN app support is limited to the 4 most popular platforms (iOS, Android, macOS and Windows), but instructions for using their service with Linux devices and a large number of routers are available. No browser extensions are available. Up to 6 simultaneous connections are allowed per username.
PrivateVPN includes live support chat, which the provider claims to be available 24/7, but has proven to only be staffed at random times of the day. A “Contact Us” form and a non-searchable “FAQ” help section are also available.
Pros:
- 4K-capable download speeds
- 6 device connections on a single set of login credentials
- Reliable access to Disney+ and other streamers
Cons:
- Server coverage is stretched thin
- Claimed “24/7 support chat” isn’t always available
FAST SPEEDS FOR ADVANCED USERS:Experienced VPN users should appreciate this VPN service’s advanced protection options, especially users who don’t mind a global server network that’s experiencing some growing pains. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark fills the 5th and final slot on this list thanks to its reliable Disney+ access, wide-ranging global server coverage and impressive unlimited connections allowance.
The provider’s network of 1,040+ servers in more than 61 countries offers reliable unblocking power for many streaming services, Disney+ included.
Connection speed is strong with this one, providing more than enough speed for the 4K streams that Disney+ and other streaming providers deliver. And you’ll never end up being “Frozen” out of the fun, as the provider never imposes data caps.
Security from this provider isn’t quite Jedi-level, but its protection from the dark side is better than average, thanks to its handy kill switch protection, military-grade encryption and malware blocking. (Come on, you were expecting these, right?) Privacy is never an issue either thanks to the provider’s no-logs policy and acceptance of Bitcoin.
App support includes offerings for the iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, Windows and Amazon Fire platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Router support and the provider’s SmartDNS offering open access to Disney+ on the rest of your devices.
Surfshark is somewhat unusual in that it has no limit on the number of simultaneous connections it allows on a single set of user credentials. That means the entire roster of Marvel’s Superheroes could have been protected, even before Thanos snapped his fingers.
Customer support includes a searchable support library, a contact form and not-24/7 live support chat.
Pros:
- Reliable access to Disney+ and other services
- Unlimited simultaneous connections allowance
- Optimal security and privacy protections
Cons:
- Global server coverage is improving, but could be better
- No 24/7 chat available
PERFECT FOR FAMILIES AND LARGE GROUPS:Surfshark offers excellent access to Disney+, as well as other popular streaming services. While the provider’s global server network is small, it is growing. An unlimited concurrent connection allowance is a great feature for large families or The Avengers. 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to Use a VPN to Unblock Disney+
Using a VPN to unblock Disney+ is easy:
- First, subscribe to a VPN.
- Install the provider’s VPN app(s) to your favorite device(s).
- Connect to a server in a country where Disney+ is available.
- Enjoy the show!
Is a Free VPN a Good Option to Use With Disney+?
Attempting to use a free VPN to access Disney+ really is something only Goofy would try. Honestly, no free VPN will prove to be a reliable way to access the new streaming service.
First off, most streaming services have become adept at detecting VPN usage on their servers. When they detect a VPN server connection, they block that server’s IP address.
Then it’s up to the VPN provider to set up a new server with a new IP address. This can get expensive. A free VPN provider is simply not going to have the resources to play this game for very long.
Most freebie VPNs restrict their users to a limited number of servers. There’s a good chance that the servers you have a choice of (or are automatically assigned to) won’t be in a good location to provide access to Disney+.
Even if you do luck out, many free VPNs throttle their users’ connection speeds and place a daily or monthly data cap on their usage. None of this is a good thing for watching streaming services.
Sans-cost VPNs also do a lousy job of protecting you from the dark side of the internet. Many “free” VPNs pay their bills by tracking their users’ online travels, then selling that info to the highest bidder.
Others have been found to be injecting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions. And those cookies stick around, even after you disconnect from the VPN provider’s servers.
A year’s worth of quality VPN service will cost you less than Disneyland T-shirts for a family of four, so pay the money – you’ll be glad you did.
What Can I Watch on Disney+?
When you think Disney, the first thing that comes to mind is likely Mickey and Minnie Mouse and maybe the Frozen or Toy Story franchises.
While those are certainly available for viewing on the Disney+ service, there’s so much more content available.
You can watch:
- The library of animated and live-action Disney films, spanning nearly 100 years
- Original film and television productions made especially for Disney+
- Lucasfilm/Star Wars films and television shows
- Marvel shows and films
- Pixar shows and films
- National Geographic shows and films
- The Muppets
- The Simpsons
- And much more.
In addition, ESPN+ and Hulu are available as part of an expanded bundle deal.
What Else Is a VPN Good For?
While accessing Disney+ (as well as other streaming services) is the object of this article, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the other advantages a Virtual Private Network offers.
In addition to streaming services, a VPN offers access to gaming servers, peer-to-peer file sharing, websites and other services that might normally be blocked by your ISP, school, employer or government.
Plus, a VPN can prevent your ISP from throttling your connection speeds, which ISPs sometimes do simply because you’re streaming or downloading files from an “unapproved” source.
A VPN is also an excellent tool to protect your online identity and all of the sensitive information associated with that identity.
A VPN encases your internet connection in an Iron Man-like layer of encrypted protection, preventing other users on the net from detecting or monitoring your online activities. This is a perfect way to protect yourself when you’re connecting to a public Wi-Fi hotspot.
Conclusion
If you currently live in a region where Disney+ isn’t yet available, or will be traveling to a region where it isn’t yet available, I strongly recommend subscribing to a VPN service.
A reliable VPN – such as my #1 choice, ExpressVPN – provides reliable access to Disney+ and other streaming services, while offering optimal protection for all of your online activities.
ExpressVPN provides the most reliable access to the Disney+ library of streaming content from outside the usual Disney territories. The provider offers comprehensive global server coverage, fast connection speeds, and optimal security and privacy protections, all for a reasonable cost.