The Jungle Cruise is one of Disneyland's most beloved and classic rides. It is one of the few remaining rides in the west half of Disneyland to be built in 1955. The history of this ride is a truely great one, and is definitily what makes it such a special attraction.
One day Walt and a few of the imagineers were survaying where the river should go. One imagineer took two sicks and carved a path a couple of feet wider than a car. He said to dig out inbetween the lines and pile the dirt on the sides to make the banks of the river. After a while this was done and they started putting trees and bushes and plants of all kinds onto the banks. They even turned some of the orange trees upsidown so the roots would stick up and look like a differant kind of plant or the roots for a differant tree.
The audio-animatronic animals have what the imagineers call, free animation. This means that, for exaple, the ears on the animals wiggle or move without motors. They just move around due to the moving of the animal. The attraction itself is pretty much the same and hasn't had many things added since 1955.
The ride even has a Christmas side called the "Jingle Cruise" in which all the animals are decorated. The jokes told are more holiday themed and the building and line are decorated for the festivities.
The 1930's theme of the ride is one of the best done in the park. The music that playes in the ride matches the era and the decor of the line creating the 1930's british jungle explorer theme. The second floor of the line is no slouch when it comes to the decor and theme. The comidic side of the ride has always been what makes it such a hit with guests. From the line music to the skippers, the comidic theme is continued.
This ride as a whole is a great ride and is loved by everyone. Its one of my familes personal favorites. The Disney detail is at its best in this attraction and that, along with the fact that Walt himself oversaw the ride being built makes it such a special and loved ride.
(A small tip: be sure to ask a cast member at the end of the ride for a jungle cruise map. its pretty cool)
( Sources: Wikipedia and YouTube )