Yesterday, Disney+ quietly rolled out a pre-release of their streaming service in the Netherlands. Dutch customers were able to download the App on Android iPhone, iPad, Android, Apple TV, PS4, Xbox, and Web. For those who install the app, Dutch subscribers will enjoy free access to the service until the official launch on November 12th.
Customers outside of the Netherlands across social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit were hoping to get in on the action, but it appears that Disney+ is essentially VPN proof. While customers were able to download the app on the App Store and Google Play by switching their region, they weren’t able to sign-up or connect while using a VPN.
This is quite a feat for Disney Streaming Services (formerly BAMTech), since international customers are accustomed to using VPNs to access services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. Interestingly, HBO NOW, which is also powered by Disney Streaming Services, wasn’t blocked by VPN during the Game of Thrones Finale for many international streamers.
While VPN services like NordVPN and Express VPN will likely look for workarounds, for the time being, it means that you can’t access the service unless you are physically in the Netherlands. This may be concerning for those in International markets who were hoping to access it on November 12th, ahead of when it launches in their country — which might take up to two years.
Disney+ will include Unlimited Downloads, but if you visit a place that Disney+ isn’t available you will be limited to watching what you already downloaded from a country where it works. If you haven’t downloaded a show or movie, you won’t be able to watch or download new content until you return home.
But at least for U.S. and Canadian customers, Disney+ will officially launch in 61 days, so the wait isn’t too long.
I see this in the debugger. Are you on nord when you try it? pic.twitter.com/53icVPVlyZ
— Stitch Kingdom (@stitchkingdom) September 12, 2019