[quote="Pocahontas"]Technically it isn't canon. Nobody who worked on the last one did it, and it was a completely different studio, so it can be considered non-canon. ^^[/quote]
True, there was a lack of involvement of the original filmmakers unless you consider
the email message by Disney employee Tad Stones as an official fact.
As for the topic, I do understand that the movie has a "non-canon" feel to it because the film used different background artists and animators and had a lower production budget, but the film was still made by filmmakers at a studio owned by the Disney company. It's the same scenario with Pixar employees; they work for Pixar, but they still work for a branch of Disney so they are still considered Disney employees. For me, personally,
Simba's Pride is not canon, but official since the
synopsis of the film on its 2004 DVD cover reads:
[quote]
All the power and majesty of THE LION KING return in this final volume of THE LION KING trilogy! This Special Edition features an all-new vibrant picture presentation from the digital master. Meet Kiara, Simba's headstrong daughter and heir to the Pride Lands. While on the prowl for adventure, she encounters the mischievous Kovu, a young member of the banished Outland Pride chosen to walk in Scar's paw prints. As they seek their proper places in the "Circle Of Life," Kiara and Kovu find that they may be the only hope for healing the rift between their prides! THE LION KING 2: SIMBA'S PRIDE Special Edition includes original cast members, stunning Disney animation, and six spectacular songs.[/quote]
So, it seems Disney considers
Simba's Pride as an official volume of the trilogy therefore it's part of the official storyline.