Hi, I'm going to be traveling on Spanish trains for the first time and want to be sure that I know what I'm doing.

1) I just bought two web fare "turista" tickets from Madrid to Cordoba on the AVE train. One says "coche 7" and "Plaza 03A" Even though this is tourist class, does this mean I have a reserved seat in car 7 at seat 3A?

2) I also have estrella Preferente tickets from Seville to Madrid. I understand that there is a meal included. Can someone tell me exactly how that will work? Is there any choice? What is usually served and how?

Thanks.

1) YES

Oh, one more thing - my printed ticket page has a section labeled "Check-in" but the information is all in Spanish. Is this like France, where you need to validate your ticket with a stamp, or is this a "check-in" like at airports? Please advise me what to do when I arrive at the station.

I have never traveled on the trains you are on, but I rode on the Thaylis last June. They served a meal with no choice. It was grilled chicken and I think some veggies and dessert. My son and my niece didn't touch it. I ate the chicken. That's one of the few foods that I like.

For Spanish high-speed trains, tickets are normally checked and luggage scanned before boarding the train. There is a booth at the entrance to the platform. From memory, tickets usually specify a check-in time at least two minutes before the train leaves.
Passengers on the AVE in preferente class are served an airline-type meal by hostesses with a trolly. I can't remember whether there was any choice. To me, it just seemed a nuisance: not a proper meal if you were hungry, but a distraction from relaxing and reading.

Oh dear, Geoff - the worst of all possible worlds - bad food but no choice. But that is my ticket. I hope that I am sufficiently in "tourist" mind to relax anyway.

The food on the AVE isn't bad, but it's like a meal on an aircraft, not like you'd get in a restaurant. It's not how anyone would choose to eat a meal. I've travelled preferente on an AVE when turista was fully booked, but wouldn't do so otherwise.

Can I repeat my other question:

my printed ticket page has a section labeled "Check-in" but the information is all in Spanish. Is this like France, where you need to validate your ticket with a stamp, or is this a "check-in" like at airports? Please advise me what to do when I arrive at the station.

I've already replied to that question. It is not like France. Your ticket will be checked and your luggage may be scanned at the entrance to the station platform.

Sorry Geoff - I somehow missed the above reply - too focused on the food, I guess.

I thought the food was much better than on airplanes...but then again I fly coach.

axelrod,
There is no choice for the meal service, but like amsdon, I think that the meal is much better than the usual coach airline fare.

What you'll be served on the Madrid-Seville line in preferente class depends on the time of day.
If it's lunch time, you may start with a pre dinner drink (beer), a "caldo" (broth), then move on to the main meal, served with your choice of red or white wine, then dessert, and you'll be offered a cordial after the meal.

If it's late afternoon, you'll be served a "merienda"-tea time, with a choice of sandwich tray or pastry tray plus coffee/tea and a cordial.

Don't know what exactly they served in preferente for the breakfast run.

Remember with first class ( preferente) tickets you get unlimited drinks. You can ask for cava, orange juice and cava is my favorite... then you can have a brandy after dinner or a Bailey's-

For those who enjoy a bit of alcohol, it is nice to be able to freely ask for what you want.

Being able to use the VIP lounges at the departing stations is also pleasant. You have snacks and beverages at your disposal.