It reeks of slashed budgets/cost-cutting in an era where the parks are profiting like crazy.
Universal hasn't gotten much heat like WDW has over the past few years, but they've made some pretty greedy decisions over the past few years.
- Charging separately for the plastic pouch that used to come included with the lanyard
- Increased AP prices last year with no significant additions outside of Villain-Con while removing 2 entertainment options at USF and Poseidon's Fury (fine with this one... but they should offer some form of alternative entertainment in the park)
Meanwhile, they are still closing the parks early often (while profiting off of park buyouts), adding up-charges to events (Mardi Gras reserved floats, HHN F&B preview, Holiday VIP tour), and who knows what else they have planned.