Best VPNs to watch Disney Plus from abroad in 2023

Navigating the vast universe of Disney Plus can be thrilling, especially with its treasure trove of Marvel, Star Wars, and iconic Disney exclusives. But just like the perils in an epic Star Wars saga, not all viewers have unrestricted access to this content. Have you ever been on a vacation abroad and craved a Disney binge, only to be met with the ominous “Something went wrong. Please try again. If the problem persists, visit the Disney+ Help Center (Error Code: 83).”?

After rigorous research and exhaustive testing, we have found a solution so you can watch your favorite movies. While your travels take you across borders, our expertise ensures your favorite shows travel with you. The trick lies in harnessing the power of the right Virtual Private Network (VPN). Be wary, though: not all VPNs are equipped to unlock Disney+.

Are you pressed for time? See below for our expertly curated guide to the best VPNs capable of unblocking Disney+ from anywhere worldwide.

We found these to be the best VPNs for Disney Plus:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice for using Disney+ abroad. This VPN works with Disney and other major streaming platforms. Great connection speeds for streaming in HD. Has strong encryption plus a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Disney+.
2. Surfshark: The best low-cost option for streaming Disney+. Access the whole content library with no issues. Plenty of advanced security features and unlimited simultaneous device connections.
3. ExpressVPN: This service’s high speeds, reliable connections, and strong security credentials make it ideal for watching Disney+ abroad.
4. CyberGhost: A solid choice for streaming Disney+. CyberGhost is easy to use and fast enough for streaming in HD. It is also highly secure with 256-bit AES encryption.
5. IPVanish: With consistently high speeds, a strict no-logs policy, and powerful security features, IPVanish is ideal for watching Disney+ abroad.
6. PrivateVPN: A high-speed, no-logs service capable of unblocking major platforms like Disney+ and streaming content from anywhere in the world.
7. Atlas VPN: Works with Disney+, HBO Max, and Netflix. Fast, unthrottled connections. Unlimited simultaneous connections.

How to access Disney+ abroad in five easy steps

There’s no need to panic; accessing region-locked services like Disney+ is simple with the right VPN, all you have to do is change your region. Just follow these proven steps below to watch Disney+ from anywhere in the world.

From our real-world experience, here’s how to watch Disney Plus abroad with a VPN:

1. 1. 1. First, sign up for one of the VPNs below (we particularly recommend NordVPN).
      2. Install the appropriate app for your device and log in.
      3. Connect to a server in a supported country (Disney+ will launch first in the US, Canada, and the Netherlands).
      4. Visit the Disney+ website and sign up. Note that you’ll need a payment method that’s linked to an address in a country where this service is already available.
      5. Finally, try playing a video on Disney+. It should start immediately, but if you see the following error: “Something went wrong. Please try again. If the problem persists, visit the Disney+ Help Center (Error Code 83).“, clear your browser’s cookies then refresh the page.

Note that if you didn’t get a subscription to Disney+ before you went abroad you will need to subscribe from a country where it is available or use a payment method from one such country. We’ve provided more details on this here.

Best VPNs for streaming Disney+ abroad – Our hands-on review

We’ve tested and compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for streaming Disney+ abroad.

Best VPNs for streaming Disney Plus abroad

In our judgment, here’s our list of the best VPNs for streaming Disney+ abroad:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2023

NordVPN has over 5,100 servers spread across 60 countries, including a huge selection in North America. This service is a natural choice for streaming thanks to its great connection speed and above-average unblocking ability. In fact, it’ll let you access not just Disney+ but also major streaming platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. What’s more, it lets you have up to six connections at once so you can watch on whichever device you prefer, including mobile devices like Androids and iPhones.

This VPN clearly takes your security very seriously. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks to protect your activities from prying eyes. There’s also a built-in ad-blocker, malware scanner, and specially-optimized servers for those looking for additional security. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning your activities cannot be traced back to you. You can contact customer support 24/7 through live chat.

NordVPN apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. This service must be manually configured for use with home routers. You can opt for a monthly or annual subscription, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee available should you need it.

BEST VPN FOR DISNEY+:NordVPN is our top choice for Disney+. With powerful security features, the fastest speeds around, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s well worth your time.

Read the full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a reliable provider that has more than 3,200 servers in 61 countries. This VPN can unblock Disney Plus and works with other streaming platforms like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Peacock TV. What’s more, with decent speeds, no connection limit, and unlimited bandwidth, you can watch on any device you own, completely free from lag and excessive buffering.

This service keeps you safe using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (in every version), and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. However, it also offers an ad-blocker, a malware scanner, split-tunneling functionality, and a NoBorders mode for use in countries with strict online censorship. Surfshark doesn’t log any data that could identify you although you can pay in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple for added anonymity. These excellent security features make it one of the best choices for streaming content and browsing privately.

Surfshark provides Linux, MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Android apps. If you’d like to use it on your wireless router, you’ll have to install it manually.

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark offers high speeds and a strong focus on your security. It also lets you connect as many devices as you like, so you can stream Disney+ anywhere. Best of all, this service is highly affordable and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our comprehensive Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN operates over 3,000 servers in 94 countries including the US, the Netherlands, and Canada, making it an excellent way to stream Disney+ abroad. It also works with other streaming sites like YouTube TV, National Geographic, and Peacock TV. Better still, with high speeds and unlimited bandwidth, you’re free to watch in the highest possible quality. ExpressVPN allows up to five simultaneous connections, so you can protect all of your most commonly used devices with a single account.

This VPN keeps your activities private at all times using 256-bit encryption, protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch (which stops all traffic whenever you lose the VPN connection suddenly). Although you can sign up almost completely anonymously by paying in Bitcoin, this is entirely optional since ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you. If you’re having trouble, you can contact customer support over live chat, 24/7.

ExpressVPN has apps for MacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. It also offers custom router firmware to make protecting all of your devices as easy as possible.

GREAT ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is fast and secure, which makes it a strong choice for watching Disney+ abroad. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our comprehensive ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost currently boasts over 8,000 servers in almost 90 countries. With consistently high speeds and unlimited bandwidth, you won’t have to worry about being interrupted by lag or buffering while streaming in HD. Further, this service unblocks a wide range of services, allowing you to stream Disney Plus, Netflix, and similar services from abroad. CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous device connections, which is one more than the industry average but not quite the unlimited provided by some other VPNs on the list.

All of this service’s security features are enabled by default so there’s minimal configuration required. These include 256-bit encryption, automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, but if you’re worried about your privacy, there’s always the option to sign up with Bitcoin and a disposable email address. If you run into any problems, you can reach customer support 24/7 via live chat.

CyberGhost offers apps for Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows. It works with Linux systems and wireless routers via manual installation.

PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is very user-friendly and provides comprehensive security features, high speeds, and excellent unblocking ability. It even comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish is a lightweight yet versatile VPN with around 1,900 servers across 60+ countries. This service is very fast and doesn’t limit your bandwidth, making it ideal for streaming content on Disney Plus abroad. That’s not all, though: you’ll also be able to unblock streaming platforms like ITV Hub, Peacock TV, and Sling TV from anywhere. IPVanish doesn’t impose a connection limit, allowing you to secure all of your streaming devices at once.

This service offers several powerful security features including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPV6 leak protection, LAN traffic blocking, and the ability to scramble your OpenVPN traffic. This is an especially helpful feature as it reshapes your traffic, allowing you to access sites and services that usually block VPN connections. IPVanish doesn’t keep any logs at all which means that once connected, you’re effectively untraceable. Need help? Customer support is on-hand 24/7 over live chat.

IPVanish provides Android, Windows, iOS, and MacOS apps. It can be manually configured for use with Linux systems and select network routers. Monthly and annual subscriptions are available.

FAST AND SECURE:IPVanish is a fast, lightweight VPN with a strong focus on your privacy and security. It keeps no logs, offers decent unblocking ability, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, check out our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has a smaller network than some of the VPNs above (roughly 150 servers in 60 countries) but it helps make up for it with extremely high speeds. Combined with PrivateVPN’s exceptional unblocking ability, this makes it perfect for anyone looking to use region-locked services like Disney+ or Netflix abroad. Up to six simultaneous connections are permitted, allowing you to stream safely wherever you are.

This VPN puts a major emphasis on security. For starters, it includes 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (Windows only), and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. There’s also a split-tunneling feature (which lets certain apps bypass the VPN) and a stealth mode that lets you hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. PrivateVPN does not keep any logs whatsoever, but you can pay anonymously with Bitcoin if you’d like. Live, chat-based support is available 22 hours per day, and remote assistance is available should you require it.

PrivateVPN has apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS. With a little manual configuration, this service can also be used on Linux systems and internet routers.

VERY HIGH SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is fast enough to stream Disney+ without any interruptions. It boasts a zero-logs policy, powerful security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth review of PrivateVPN.

---

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is more than suitable for use with Disney+. Indeed, you can use this VPN service to stream the likes of Netflix and HBO Max while traveling overseas. You won’t have to contend with buffering or lag because it provides fast speeds and won’t throttle your connection. This allows for streaming in 1080p HD and even 4K. Another standout feature of Atlas VPN is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

The server network of Atlas VPN covers dozens of countries and, once connected, you’ll benefit from 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks. If that’s not enough, you can even connect to a MultiHop server for twice the level of encryption. Note that Atlas VPN doesn’t keep identifying logs of users, allowing you to browse privately and maintain online anonymity.

You’ll be able to watch Disney+ on your desktop and mobile devices because Atlas VPN offers apps for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS. However, manual configuration is required for use with Linux as well as compatible wifi routers.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:Atlas VPN is fast, works with Disney+, HBO Max, and Netflix, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Security includes encryption, an ad and malware blocker, and MultiHop servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

---

How else can a VPN help you?

VPNs have plenty of other uses aside from unblocking Disney+. For instance, they also allow you to:

1. 1. • Bypass country-wide internet blocking and access region-locked services like Netflix or Hulu abroad
      • Browse the web privately thanks to their powerful encryption
      • Prevent your activities being traced back to you (assuming you have a no-logs VPN)
      • Reduce the likelihood that your Internet Service Provider will throttle your speeds

Disney Plus VPN – Our testing methodology

Trying to find a VPN that works with popular streaming platforms – and has the privacy and security features you need to stay safe online, is not easy. Many VPNs use aggressive marketing techniques and are deceptive about the level of service they provide. This makes it easy to end up with a slow VPN that does not provide robust security.

To ensure we recommend the very best services, we test market leading VPNs using a precise VPN testing methodology. This allows us to compare services and make recommendations for individual use cases. Below, we have included some of the features we looked for when recommending VPNs for Disney+.

1. 1. • Fast servers. We look for VPNs with a global server network. This includes server locations in the US, the UK, and other countries where Disney Plus is available. We also test those servers to ensure they work with other popular platforms, such as Netflix, iPlayer, and Hulu.
      • Reliable apps. We check each VPN’s apps to ensure they have all the features you need to stay safe online. Our recommendations have apps for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android – to let you stream Disney+ on vacation on any of your streaming devices.
      • Robust security. A VPN is designed to provide you with privacy first and foremost. We test each VPN to ensure it does not have IP or DNS leaks, and we check the encryption to ascertain that it can provide adequate data security for your traffic. We also check for a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation.
      • Advanced features. We look for VPNs that have fully-featured clients with plenty of advanced extra features. This includes useful things like split tunneling, automatic connection, port forwarding, multi-hop, ad blocking, malware protection, Smart DNS, and other useful features that make the VPN better value for money.
      • Excellent customer support. We recommend VPNs with live chat and email support. This allows you to get help and ask questions when you most need it. We also recommend VPNs with superb online resources, including setup guides and FAQs.

Disney Plus Stats 2023 – Updated

As of Q3 2023, Disney+ had around 146.7 million subscribers worldwide. In the US and Canada, the platform had 46.3 million subscribers as of Q1 2023. Disney+ is expected to reach 209.16 million subscribers worldwide by the end of 2023. In Q2 2023, Disney generated $22.33 billion in revenue, with the media and entertainment business accounting for the highest revenue share. Some of the original content coming to Disney+ in 2023 includes “Iwájú” a long-form series created in collaboration with Pan-African comic book entertainment company Kugali.

How do I set up parental controls on Disney+?

To set up parental controls on Disney+, follow these steps:

1. 1. 1. Log in to your Disney+ account.
      2. Navigate to your profiles and select “Edit Profiles”.
      3. Select the profile you’d like to edit.
      4. Under “Parental Controls”, select “Content Rating”.
      5. Enter your password to confirm the changes.
      6. Select the content rating you’d like to set for your child and then click “Save”.
      7. To restrict profile switching, set a 4-digit PIN code. To do this, under “Parental Controls”, click “Profile PIN”. Enter your password and click “Continue”.
      8. Enter your new PIN and click “Save”.

These steps will help you set up content restrictions based on ratings and prevent unattended profile switching. Remember, Disney+ cannot control changes made using an adult account, which children and teens can access when left open. Therefore, parents should be cautious when using Disney+ and ensure they’ve set up necessary parental controls before giving access to children.

Disney+ also allows you to create a Kid’s Profile to limit access to mature content. To do this:

1. 1. 1. When logged into your Disney+ account from any device, tap on the current profile name.
      2. Select “Edit Profiles”.
      3. Choose “Add Profile”.
      4. Next, select an image for the new profile.
      5. Type in a Profile Name.
      6. Toggle “Kids Profile” to On (this disallows PG and PG13 content for the profile).
      7. Choose “Save”.

Please note that the built-in Disney+ controls don’t prevent children from switching to a profile that enables all content. Almost any school-aged child can quickly bypass the Disney+ parental controls. Therefore, it’s recommended to regularly review the content ratings on their profiles and adjust them accordingly to reflect their evolving needs.

Watching Disney Plus from abroad: FAQs

See also: Disney+ vs Netflix vs Amazon vs Hulu

How to get Disney+ without a foreign payment method

While you can unblock the Disney+ website abroad using a VPN, you won’t actually be able to watch anything until you sign up. This requires you to have a payment method that’s linked to an address in a country where Disney+ has already launched. If you didn’t sign up before you went traveling, you will need to sign up from back home to gain access.

Here are a couple of the methods we’ve seen people use to access Disney+ abroad:

Method 1: Unblock Disney+ with an Apple ID

Note that this method only works if you have an iPad, iPhone, or Apple TV. You can change your iTunes region on other devices but will not be able to download apps this way.

1. 1. 1. Start by opening the App Store.
      2. Next, log out of your account and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
      3. Click on the flag icon and select United States.
      4. Create a new Apple ID but don’t bother adding a payment method.
      5. Purchase a digital iTunes gift card. Note that it has to be loaded with US dollars, or else this won’t work. You can buy American iTunes gift card codes directly on Amazon.com. Note that the lowest-value card available is $25 USD, so you might want to consider paying for a year of Disney+ access upfront (which costs $69.99).
      6. Once your code is emailed to you, head to the Account Settings page to redeem it.
      7. Connect to an American VPN server and download the Disney+ app from the Apple app store.
      8. Sign up to Disney+ in the app, using your iTunes balance to pay. You should now be able to use Disney+ from abroad without any problems.

Method 2: Unblock Disney+ with a Google account

This method should work with any Android device with access to the Google Play Store.

1. 1. First, connect to one of your VPN’s US servers.
   2. Go to the Google Play Store and create a new account (but don’t log in yet).
   3. Purchase a Google Play gift code from a reputable seller (these are available on Amazon.com). Remember: the card has to be loaded with US dollars as other currencies will not be accepted.
   4. You’ll soon receive the gift code via email. You can then either click the link in the email (if you’re on your phone) or key the code into the Google Play Store manually to redeem it. Note that while you’ll have to enter a valid US ZIP code, Google doesn’t actually verify whether you live there.
   5. Now, go into your device’s Settings menu and click on Accounts.
   6. Select Add Account, then Google, and add the account you created in step 2.
   7. Go back to the Google Play Store and sign in with your new account.
   8. Search for and install the Disney+ app, then sign up as normal. If you encounter an error during registration, force stop the app, then reopen it and you should be able to proceed.
   9. Finally, choose to pay with your Google account balance. From now on, whenever you connect to a US VPN server, you should be able to watch Disney+ abroad.